Most of you carry out regular backups, so we’re not trying to preach to the converted. But this blog isn’t about your regular backups… it’s about Data Silo backups. Not sure what they are? Read on.  

Never assume!

Whilst most businesses are fully aware of the importance of backups, there are still areas of our business lives where backups could have slipped through the net. There will be a wealth of data that is not contained within your servers and standard backups.

Think about the systems you use that are remote from your business – systems where you have data that isn’t on your server (where you have Data Silos):

  • Email systems, such as Mailchimp
  • HR systems, such as Monday.com HR
  • Accounting systems, such as Xero
  • Social media scheduling systems, such as Hootsuite
  • Password managers, such as LastPass
  • Online documentation repositories, such as Document360
  • CRM systems, such as Hubspot
  • Your website.

And then there’s your personal life – how many photos do you have floating about in the cloud?

What to consider

It’s important to backup data silos to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure, human error, cyberattacks, or other unforeseen events.

Consider how often each system is used – daily, weekly, monthly… backup scheduling should reflect this frequency, replicating data and storing on servers. Servers can be on site, off site and cloud based, ideally having at least one storage facility that is geographically distant from the primary data silo.

Some systems allow ‘snapshotting’ creating snapshots of data at specific points in time – check out your systems to find out whether this is a feature. Also, check if the system has version control to track changes to data silos.

Once backups are set up don’t just forget about them – ensure they are regularly monitored and verified, conducting periodic data restoration tests to ensure data is usable.

Ensure sufficient cybersecurity is in place to protect your backed up data – you don’t want to be responsible for losing control of your vital and sensitive data.

Finally, plan for the worst. Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of data loss or system failures. Regularly test and update this plan.

Ask the experts!

Remember, your specific backup approach will vary depending on your organisation’s size, budget, IT infrastructure, and the nature of the data being stored in the silos. If you’re concerned about your data silos we are here to help. We can design the most suitable backup strategy for your unique requirements, keeping ALL of your data as safe as possible. 

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