5 Dos and Don’ts of Backup Storage Handling
Backing up your data is a real no-brainer when you consider the consequences of losing vital and valuable information. What you also need to remember is that there is a right way and a wrong way of handling your backup storage handling.
Losing data or not following the right storage protocols can put you in a very vulnerable position and you might end up searching for IT services Sydney, for instance, in order to get some professional help and resolve a challenging situation.
Before you get to that sort of scenario, it makes sense to learn about some of the main dos and don’ts of backup storage handling.
Here are some key pointers to consider.
Your first priority is to analyze your network
Your first task is to carry out a thorough analysis of your network and create a map of where all of your important data is. It rarely works well to simply try and back up everything as you can often run out of storage space and you may well struggle to pinpoint important files.
It is far better to analyze the network and plan your backup requirements in a more orderly fashion.
Create a backup schedule
It is essential to stick to a disciplined routine when it comes to backing up your data.
It is far too easy to postpone a scheduled backup because of other calls on your time but you do need to stick to your schedule without exceptions. Losing crucial data because of a delayed backup or not doing it regularly enough is not a situation you want to face.
Do back up critical files daily
In a damage limitation exercise, you will have files that you could potentially manage without if they are lost for some reason, but there will be critical data, such as financial information, that you definitely can’t afford to lose.
A good way of approaching your backup plans would be to be extra diligent when it comes to protecting critical files. Prioritize critical files and back these up daily. It would also make sense to back these files up on an external storage device so that you have a plan B if something disastrous happens to your network.
Don’t use the same location for your backup
It always pays to consider a worst-case scenario. If your backup data is stored on the same hardware as the original files, you could be very vulnerable if that hardware is damaged and your backup copies are lost in the process.
Create a copy of your backup in a different location.
Make sure you test your backup
Another classic mistake that could come back to haunt you is when you don’t test your backup.
You need to test whether the data saved is accessible. You also need to verify that none of your files have been corrupted, which can happen when you compress a file for storage purposes.
If you follow some of these essential dos and don’ts it should improve your chances of avoiding a nightmare situation where you are unable to recover critical files because your backup plans were flawed in some way.