Offsite Data Backup is Safer than Local Storage

Almost 1 in 4 computers have lost their data to hackers, viruses, and acts of nature. Not only that, almost 50% of businesses that lose their data go out of business permanently, report industry analysts. A brief review of the following backup methods show that they do not all offer the same amount of safety.

CDs and DVDs are probably the most common way to back up files, but they don’t offer the kind of security that you might think they offer. Although the files might copy just fine onto the disks, over time these disks can become damaged making the files impossible or very difficult to recover. And if you forget or fail to put the disk in the computer and perform the manual backup, then hundreds of hours of work and files will be vulnerable to loss. Also, if your backed up files on CD or DVD are stolen, the thief will easily recover all of your data because they are probably not going to be encrypted.

You may be thinking about buying a second hard drive or tape storage solution for data backup. These devices work well if they have not also been damaged or otherwise corrupted in the same flood, fire, or lightning strike as the original hard drive. And don’t forget theft. And some reports say that up to half of all attempts to recover data on tape backups do fail.

The easiest and most worry-free way to secure your files is with the services of an off site data storage company. Offsite backup services usually involve a simple process:

Local Software Installation

First, you will need to install a small program to interface with the offsite data storage server. The program can take up to 30 minutes to install and set up.

Initial Backup of Entire System

Second, you’ll need to have at least a connection as fast as a DSL or cable modem. Third, you’ll need to schedule a complete backup of your system. For secure storage, respectable offsite data backup providers store your files in highly secure “vaults” that are maintained and observed 24 hours a day.

Web Management System

Finally, from almost any web connection anywhere in the world, you should be able to schedule regular online backups, verify the safety of your backed up files and retrieve them on demand, if a web interface is offered. You will probably also receive a unique encryption code known only to you for safe access to your files.

I’ll leave you with this proverb: don’t spend your days worrying about losing your data; worry about not having an offsite backup service to recover it. To secure your business, learn more data backup strategies at Data Backup Solutions.