8 Best Practices for Reliable Network Backups
Data is critical to businesses, and safeguarding it is just as important — whether at rest or in transit. Part of safeguarding this data includes backing up your network.
When it comes to backing up a network, there are certain best practices that businesses should abide by. In this article, we’ll discuss several best practices that, if implemented, will help ensure your data and network are safeguarded as best as possible.
We’ll cover reliable strategies for effective network backups like:
- Having a regular backup schedule
- Using multiple backup locations
- Routinely testing and verifying backups
- Utilizing offsite storage
- Implementing encryption protocols
- Choosing managed services for IT network backups
- Documenting network backups
- Avoiding common pitfalls
1. Having a Regular Backup Schedule
There’s a reason that having a regular backup schedule is first on our list; it’s arguably one of the most important backup practices. Why? Sticking to a schedule will ensure the backup gets done.
It’s easy to get complacent, especially when other areas of your business need attention. Backing up data is a preventative measure. In the day-to-day operations of a business, many tasks that are completed are corrective or reactive. That means employees are reacting to tasks that are time sensitive.
Backing up a network isn’t inherently time sensitive due to its preventative nature; however, if there’s an issue with the network or data, the time it takes to restore it could be significantly more than that if the data was backed up.
Regularly backing up data on a defined schedule will ensure an easier recovery point if necessary.
2. Using Multiple Backup Locations
Recovering a network won’t be easy if the recovery is corrupted or damaged too. First, the backup location should be separated from the network. Secondly, the backed-up network should be located in a different physical area. Ideally, there should be multiple locations where the data is backed up.
If one backup goes down, you can restore the network from the other location. This may seem redundant, and here’s the truth: It is. This redundancy is implemented to better protect your data and your network.
3. Routinely Testing and Verifying Backups
What good is a network backup if it doesn’t work? Perhaps there was an issue during the backup and it didn’t store or save correctly. In this case, if there’s an emergency, you might not be able to implement a restore.
Sticking to a backup schedule is just as important as sticking to a testing schedule. Again, this is all preventive by nature; however, it can save your business from a lot of headaches in the event the network needs to be restored from a backup.
4. Utilizing Offsite Storage
Utilizing offsite storage goes hand-in-hand with using multiple backup locations (see best practice #2). In this best practice, we’re taking it a step further to advise using various offsite locations for your backups.
Disasters happen. Buildings catch on fire and storms and floods destroy them just the same. Unfortunate events like tornadoes and hurricanes have destroyed buildings, and the data that is stored within.
In order to ensure the continuity of operations under such circumstances, it’s prudent to store backups offsite and in different locations. If one site goes down or gets destroyed, you can implement backup protocols from another offsite location.
5. Implement Encryption Protocols
Encrypting your data and network backups prevents data breaches. This best practice is geared toward percentage measures against hackers or other bad actors (potential competitors, etc.).
Encrypting data both in transit and at rest will help ensure your information is safeguarded. Every backup site — whether local or offsite — should adhere to modern encryption protocols for the best results.
6. Working With a Managed Services Company
A managed services company that specializes in network backups can be a great option. First of all, they do all of the heavy lifting when it comes to backing up the data and network. Secondly, companies don’t have to hire in-house employees and this segment of a business can easily be outsourced to professionals.
When it comes to availability, many IT managed services companies are available round-the-clock. So, if and when disaster strikes, they will work all hours of the day (and/or night) to get your business back up and running again.
7. Documenting Network Backups
Do you know the last time your network was backed up? More importantly, perhaps: Do you have exactly what segment was backed up and where?
The answers to these questions should easily be answered if you rely on proper documentation. It doesn’t take long to document the when, what and where as it pertains to backing up a network or other data.
Keeping accurate records is also important if you’re the type of business that can expect regular audits (e.g., government contractors). A good rule of thumb is this: Anytime you make a backup, document the task immediately. That way, you can make it part of the process and not forget to do it later on.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes
It’s easy to avoid common mistakes when backing up data and a network. We have already covered some of these.
For example, using encryption can help you prevent data theft. Some other common mistakes include:
- Using old backup devices
- Having a backup device with limited storage
- Not updating software
Using old backup devices is a risk because, at some point, the data can become corrupted. Storage is another thing to consider. Every hard drive has limited storage space. Therefore, it’s important for you to know what the limits are in order to be able to continue saving future backups. Not updating software can result in a variety of failures due to bugs, etc.
Contact Red River for Managed Network Backup Service
At Red River, we provide managed data and network backup services. We implement the reliable best practices that are listed above. If you’re interested in outsourcing this area of your business, get in touch with us.
Head over to our contact page to get started.
