Backup. Back up. Back-up!

However you say it, backups are the most important thing you should be doing on your computer.

Backups are your best method of restoring your systems if you suffer a ransomware attack. And if your website gets hacked, backups of your site are the only way to ensure you don’t lose the whole thing. Here’s what you should be talking to your IT and web host about.

Backing up your computer

Your computer system likely has an awful lot of data your business can’t function without. so do you have backups of the following? Client contact details, your email contacts, invoicing and accounts information, CRM systems? And maybe, like me, hundreds or thousands of folders of work for your clients. All of these need to be protected first of all by firewalls, antivirus software and regular updates. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get hacked. And if you do, you need to be able to restore it all from backups.

Cloud backups are far more secure. The days of backing up to a desktop device are over. Backups to a memory stick, or an external hard drive attached to the computer, isn’t sufficient. These backups will also be affected by ransomware or other viruses. You need your backups to be detached from your computer unless you’re in the process of backing up. Otherwise, even the backup files will be corrupted.

Tape backup, or backing up to a hard drive which leaves site, is much more effective, but time consuming and still has risks attached. The external device might be lost, damaged or stolen.

Cloud backup is the most effective and efficient backup. It is also immune to any viruses which infect your PC, allowing you to recover data easily. Ask your IT provider about Cloud Backup. If you don’t have one, as me and I’ll recommend someone for you and can help explain what’s needed.

Backing up your website

For more information on website backups read this article.