An IT system or computing device that stores data could stop working at any time. As a result, data could become corrupted or lost if the data storage component fails. It is therefore crucial for businesses to have an appropriate backup strategy that aims to prevent loss of data.
Backup is the process of making copies of critical data and files to an alternative data storage component so that these files can be made available in the event that the original data or files are lost or destroyed.
Key aspects that should be considered when implementing a backup strategy are:
- Which data/files are deemed to be critical to the business? – whilst it might be ideal to back up all data/files within the organisation, the backups strategy should at the mimimum ensure that the most critical ones are routinely backed up;
- How often should backups be taken? – an assessment of how often data might change should be carried out so as to determine a reasonable frequency (e.g. hourly, daily, weekly, etc.) for the backups;
- Where should the backups reside? – backups are ideally stored in a separate physical location to that of the main data source. This may be accomplished using External hard-drives or other media that may be transported to alternate locations or using storage located in secondary sites or the Public Cloud for example.
It is also important to routinely restore and test a backup so as to ensure that data being backed up is actually retrievable.
Security in the Digital Economy
As part of the Cyber Security Malta, Tech.mt collaborates with the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) to deliver educational video episodes about Security in the Digital Economy towards a safer future.
