7 Mistakes You Have to Avoid When Backing Up Your Data

Data backup is essential for both businesses and individuals to prevent costly or devastating data loss, but backups can fail. Sometimes, they fail by no fault of the user, but other times, they fail because of a few mistakes that you might make. What are these mistakes?

1.    Leaving processes and software to run during scheduled backups

Whether it’s business computers or a personal computer, it’s important to make sure that you don’t have anything running if a backup has been scheduled. If any programme is open during a backup, some important data might not be saved because the backup software may skip over it.

2.    Not backing your data as regularly as you should

Often, we only backup our data when we remember to, but this shouldn’t be the case. Before you encounter a major data loss, you have to be more regular with your data backups. To get rid of the burden of having to remember, you can opt for an option that does automatic backups. This would usually be a cloud storage backup solution.

3.    Not maintaining and checking backups regularly

It’s great that you have set automated backups, but to keep them working as they should, you’ll need to keep checking them from time to time. Automated processes make your job easier, but they can also fail, so a bit of due diligence is still necessary.

4.    Not backing up your most important data

Many businesses process so much data that it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Sometimes, it can even be difficult determine what to keep and what to let go. However, you need to prioritise the data that has to be backed up and you can only do this by performing a rigorous analysis. Regular data audits help you maximise the value of your backup as business operations and objectives change.

5.    Doing everything in-house

It can be tempting to keep it all in-house because you don’t want to lose control, but doing so can leave you in an unpleasant position where you’re not sure what to do next. Get outside help if you need it.

6.    Not testing your backup

So, you have your data backed up to different formats and you’re covered in the event that a disaster occurs, but it doesn’t stop there. You need to know for certain that your backup solution really works. You also need to know how to fully retrieve and reinstall your data. If something does happen, you’ll need to reinstall your data fast. Make sure you’re prepared.

7.    Restricting backup to one system alone

If you rely on one system alone to store all your data backups, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment because anything can happen. Whether it’s flood damage, fire damage, or theft, you could lose your computers and all the data in them. Be sure to use more than one data storage location or format.