Anticipating the worst-case scenario and having a plan B in place can help us ride out the storm and have everything sorted. The concept applies to data backup in the event of a data loss to retrieve the lost data.
Simply put, data backup refers to having an additional copy of the original files containing the data in a secondary location. To preserve and retrieve the data in case an original file is lost. Most users believe that data loss occurs due to virus attacks, whereas its scope is broader. Data loss can also happen due to the inaccessibility of the files; the file is destroyed or deleted, unexpected software corruption, short hardware breakdown, power failures, or the device is stolen or broken.
A study indicated that 40-60% of small businesses wouldn’t reopen after data loss; this reveals the negative impact a data loss can have on a business, thereby signaling the importance of data backup
Let’s dive into the importance of data backup and recovery:
Data loss can be very distressing and affect the user and businesses in many ways. Retrieving the data can also burn a hole in one’s pocket. Knowing the importance of data backup and recovery can help us be very cautious when dealing with data. The primary reasons that emphasized the importance of having the data back up and recovery are as follows:
1) Living in a Digital World:
Over the last three years, we have started relying so much on technology that we cannot do away with a computer and an internet connection. Everything has become virtual, from people operating from home, students attending classes, and receiving our paychecks to paying our bills. Businesses have also become paper free. This signifies the amount of essential data that is being captured and stored. As we all know, we cannot pinpoint one reason why data might have been lost, which can happen for various reasons. Hence, having the data backed up in another location, like cloud storage, would be very helpful.
2) Possibility of a Human Error:
We, humans, are fallible. Deleting a file accidentally or losing the device that holds critical data is quite possible. Hence having the data in a secondary location will help back up the information and also helps with the recovery of the data when necessary.
3) Natural disasters too can Contribute to Data Loss:
Yes! It’s entirely possible to lose data to natural disasters too. It’s hard to predict when natural disasters will find their way to wreak havoc. In the circumstances like flooding, tornados, or for that matter, an earthquake which can lead to the destruction of the property which also includes that of all the technological devices, chances of losing vital data stored on the appliances are highly possible, which can take a toll on the business, it’s reputation and operations. To avert such negative repercussions, having data back up would be wise as you can get going with business operations without any hassle.
4) Corporate Theft:
Theft in the corporate sector is widespread. A study by Biscom revealed that 85 % of employees admitted to data theft. Some disgruntled employees can use data theft to sabotage the organization they are associated with by showing confidential data to competitors or misusing it for selfish ambitions. Protecting the data and having a backup can reduce the negative impact.
5) Strong Relationship with The Customers:
If the confidential and sensitive data of the clients are being breached due to data loss, not only will the business or the organization’s reputation get jeopardized, but the trust the clients have in the organization will also get eroded. Running a business without clients is next to impossible. Thus, securing your data by backing it up plays a significant role.
