Your end user data backup policy should mandate a fully automatic backup solution. Use automated backups. Avoid manual data backup solutions that rely on end users to backup their data. Obviously, the most critical data may demand a continuous backup solution, while daily backups or weekly backups may be enough for more static data. Take frequent, regular backups. Prevent critical data loss by creating a regular schedule of frequent backups. Should a central server become compromised during a disaster, off-site backups, whether on a cloud-based server or physical dedicated server, allow for complete data recovery-a key part of disaster recovery. Off-server storage is a minimum requirement, with off-site backup storage being a better alternative. It is all but pointless to backup organizational data only to store it on the same disk as the original information. Include remote storage. Remote backups are a critical element in any backup solution. Many businesses create exact mirrors of their systems annually, just to avoid the nightmare of having to start over again from scratch in case of a major failure.įollow these best practices to select an ideal backup solution that ensures your data remains recoverable and safe. Backup less critical data at least once a week. At a minimum, backup mission critical data in real time, or at least daily. This is important in case of accidental file corruption or ransomware that may be hiding in current data backups.ĭetermine what data is essential to your organization and establish backup strategies tailored to each type of data. Your backups should also contain versioning data-older versions of your data, not just the current version of files that were backed up most recently. Do this by restoring several files from the backup to confirm that you can, that the backup itself is uncorrupted, and that the media is still accessible. It is important to periodically check the integrity of your backup files. Historically, third party vendors could store backup tapes offsite for a fee, but remote disk and cloud storage can be used as well. To protect against malware, remote backup data should be air-gapped (separated) from the original data set. Storing at least one copy of backup data at a remote location is essential for disaster recovery, especially in the event of site-wide failures or geographical disasters. This helps to ensure a full set of accessible backup data no matter what the circumstances leading to the need to recover data. Your backup policy should follow the 3-2-1 rule, creating at least three backup copies of all data in addition to the original file using two different backup media, with one copy in a remote location. Preserve essential data with a multi-pronged backup policy. Finally, the policy demands at least partial automation, further increasing reliability. They also ensure multiple copies exist separate from the original data, and also make use of multiple forms of media with complementary strengths. They offer details on how to protect data, how to access backups, and how to train those responsible for performing backups. Reliability. Stronger backup policies are more likely to result in complete data restoration. This piece of the data backup and recovery policy also identifies who is responsible for confirming that reliable backups are successfully performed, and sets forth how and when they will do this. It also identifies any superseding procedures or policies that already exist, such as contingency plans.Ĭontrol. A well defined backup policy allows you to control what kind of backups are performed, how often data should be backed up, what software/hardware or cloud service should be used for performing backups, where backups are located, and who can access backups and how to contact them.Īccountability. The backup policy identifies primary and secondary contacts who are responsible for performing backups and provides their contact information. There are several benefits to developing a strong backup and recovery policy document:Ĭlarity. A backup policy clarifies specific procedures, policies, and responsibilities, including a well-defined schedule for performing backups, ensuring a more stable process. A backup retention policy helps guide user expectations and provides the broader context for the data restoration and backup process.
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