For the past few weeks, we have been covering what makes up a true data backup, the importance of regular maintenance, and the three options for a continuous backup solution.
As we close out the month, there is one other “three” that neoRhino recommends to total data reservation, and that is the 3-2-1 Data Backup Method. So, today we are going to cover the 3-2-1 backup method and provides some final thoughts to keeping your crucial business data safe in case of a disaster.
It’s 2020. Do You Know Where Your Backups Are?
First, we must mention again how important it is to have your data backed up in multiple locations, whether locally and in the cloud. There is more to this than just a simple backup to a hard drive or a cloud storage solution. If you need a refresher on the types of backups available, check out our article about the Three Types of Data Backups.
So what is the “3-2-1” method?
This tactic involves backing up your crucial business data in a three step process:
- Three copies of your data: One is not enough. Having multiple copies of your data preserved reduces your chances of losing it all if something were to happen.
- Two copies on different medias: Keep your backups on at least two different types of media: external hard drives, servers, cloud storage, or even a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive are viable options.
- One copy backed up offsite: Keep one of your maintained backups in a remote location, away from the primary network just in case it becomes infected and compromises any attached backups.
One crucial step you need to take before restoring a backup of any kind is to ensure that you recover the data to a clean workstation or network-enabled device. Don’t undo your backup efforts by attempting a recovery onto an infected machine.
Also be sure that whoever is in charge of maintaining your backup solution is keeping track of any revisions and timestamping them properly to make restoration more efficient.
Beyond data backups, there are a few more steps to ensure that your workstation stays secure if an intruder tries to steal your data.
- Evaluate your data access. Make sure your organization follows best practices in your network access, such as enforcing a strong password policy, setting up VLANs, having a guest network accessible, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), locking down access and file/folder permissions.
- Keeping your workstations up to date and patched. This not only includes ensuring your workstation OS is up to date, but also any and all software that may be installed. Malicious attacks thrive on workstations using outdated software. Ensure your AV & Firewall solution is legitimate and operational.
- Employee training & safe browsing habits. Making sure your employees are aware of how a ransomware attack or any type of threat to your cybersecurity is crucial. Create a plan of training your employees on safe browsing habits, how to spot a phishing attack, and who to contact if something does not appear to be legitimate.
- Evaluate your Disaster Recovery Plan. A ransomware lockout certainly falls under a disaster so be sure to factor this in with your IT source when developing your Disaster Recovery plan.
Everyone at neoRhino IT Solutions believes that Data Backups are the reserves that every business needs if a disaster strikes. Our 20-year technology veterans can ensure that your business data stays safe by contacting us at info@neorhino.com or by phone at (281) 779-4850.
neoRhino has your back should the worst be in front of your business.
