Every business has a different approach to backing up its data. While some approaches will be better than others, entrepreneurs will be doing their best under the circumstances.
However, those leading humble startups have a few more pressures to contend with here. These organisations are in a vulnerable position already, struggling to secure access to funding or compete with multinational conglomerates. Factors like these may limit how well they deal with data security.
Moreover, while some firms can survive a data breach, there’s an increasing likelihood that many startups won’t. Startups can be on the brink of failure just by their very nature. Lost and corrupted data can be the final push over the precipice.
So, what can startups do here? If you’re running a startup and you’re concerned about backing up sensitive data, read on for some tips on how to best do this.
Utilise SaaS Protection
Your startup can greatly reduce the risk of data loss by working with competent professionals elsewhere. After all, a startup can’t be excepted to do everything alone.
Things like Datto SaaS Protection will backup your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data onto a secure, cloud-based platform. It can be accessed anywhere in the world. Despite being market leaders in backup solutions, these providers offer a free 14-day trial of these services, with no credit card details required. Therefore, your startup can get off to a more comfortable and cost-effective start with these high-quality data backup solutions.
Most startups outsource at least some of their processes. It can save money in the long term, a cheaper alternative to hiring departments full of staff that need training, insurance, and competitive salaries. Ensure you’re working with reputable vendors of these services, though, as more dubious entities can exploit smaller businesses and enforce ridiculous fees for additional storage space.
Data corruption and deletion can also be relentless in today’s digitally driven world. If you feel a lot of anxiety around how your startup might fair, it’s perfectly understandable. That said, these worries can be greatly reduced by having dedicated specialists on your side. The peace of mind their presence can bring is worth the investment alone.
Explore Legacy Technology
It’s important to diversify when it comes to data storage and backup. Unexpected measures can be the most effective precisely for that reason.
Given the fast-paced nature of some industries, much of your company’s information can become obsolete relatively quickly. However, the technology used for storing it doesn’t necessarily fade into obscurity. For instance, you can archive static and legacy data on a tape drive. While this equipment is often referred to as ‘legacy technology’ today, it could be perfect for your startup to use.
Tape drives are cheap and easy to procure. They’re also cost-effective to maintain, as they’re an offline solution and don’t require lots of updates and maintenance procedures. If it’s not connected to the system, attackers can’t access them. Tape drives also have enormous storage capacity and remain in use today, which means they can keep your legacy data safe for decades to come.
Furthermore, tape drives are also portable. This means you have the advantage of offsite storage too. Whether your library is at your home or a colleague’s, having multiple locations to store data is always a good idea.
Lean on Automation
Modern data backup solutions have a place too. A layered approach to company security is always best.
Of course, it’s no secret that the age of automation is looming bigger and bolder than ever before. Your startup should utilise this type of tech with data backups. That way, backups of data can be scheduled and reliable, and you don’t depend on any individual worker to see them through. After all, if you designate one employee as a data specialist, what happens when they leave the company, either temporarily or permanently?
Time is a factor here too. Every employee a startup hires has to be immensely valuable to the business. They must be utilised to the utmost potential, and if their time is taken up carrying out manual processes that could otherwise be automated, it can significantly hinder the proactivity, and thus the potential, of your startup.
Build Employee Awareness
Automation can’t do everything. Employee intervention is often needed sooner or later with data backups.
Employees at startups work very hard. However, the working environment can sometimes be more fun, as these companies can be less tainted by the jaded affairs of the corporate world. Everybody knows each other’s names, real friendships can form, and good times can be had. Startups have a lot of heart and soul!
That said, every employee needs to take data backup incredibly seriously. They should be instructed to secure their personal devices and avoid public Wi-Fi for work activities so backups can take place safely. Even if the backup has been automated, they should double-check that the process has succeeded. Collaborating on rules and measures is also a good idea for mutual enforcement, with staff holding one another accountable.
