In our experience, backing up data and files is one of those tasks on the “do it tomorrow” list. Is the same true in your business?

But take a step back – what would happen if there was a fire in your premises or your computer system was hacked? Would your business survive without being able to access files, product and financial information or customer data?

According to an industry study by The Diffusion Group, who surveyed small business organisations, 60 percent of companies that lose their data close down within six months of the disaster and a staggering 72 percent of businesses that suffer major data loss disappear within 24 months.

That is quite a scary statistic and a situation that can be so easily avoided.

Here are our top 2 recommendations for data back-up:

1. USB Stick or External Hard Drive

Are you running just one or two computers? Using a USB or External Hard Drive to copy across your files is a quick and easy way to create a back-up. This is a manual process so it’s handy to set a calendar reminder making sure you don’t forget to do it regularly. All you need to do is copy and paste your files and let it run in the background whilst you get on with other things. Keep a track of back-ups by creating a folder for each backup using the date, such as 20170331Backup.  We advise that you keep these devices off site for extra security.

2. The Cloud

There are many options for backing up to the cloud. Microsoft, Google and Dropbox all provide safe and secure cloud storage solutions. Some applications allow you to continually sync your devices, so your files are always up to date without you having to think about it.

Using the cloud, your files will always be stored off site and so long as you have an internet connection, your files can be quickly accessed or restored. There is usually a nominal charge for using a cloud solution. Most organisations charge monthly which avoids you needing to make a big financial investment. The cost usually depends on the amount of storage space you need, but one thing we know for sure is that this monthly fee pales into insignificance compared to the cost of losing all your business files and data.

Your preferred choice for back-ups will depend on several factors; what do you need to back up and how often, do you need to include emails, do you need a manual or automatic process in place?

HBT can provide help and advice to guide you on the best approach to keeping your business information safe. We also offer a secure and robust automated back-up and recovery service.

Let us take care of everything; giving you peace of mind that if the unthinkable does happen your business is prepared and can be quickly back-up and running.

Statistics sources:

https://www.workspace.co.uk/community/homework/technology/opinion-what-is-the-true-cost-of-lost-data-to-bus

https://www.tdgresearch.com/