Best Backup Solutions for Your Small Business

Monica Morris • September 5, 2018

Running a business requires hard work and dedication. In order to protect your investment, you must take a very important step: Data Backup. Modern small businesses depend on IT and by extension, data. Whether it is client’s information, customer’s orders or business processes, protection of this data is vital to your business’ survival. Data is everywhere in business and its loss can be disastrous.

Many business owners are having a hard time deciding on the best solution for their business because of a large number of backup options.

Below we discuss the best backup solutions out there and what you should consider before adopting one.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Backup Solutions

Data Size: The volume of your business data and their rate of growth are important when you are choosing a backup solution.
Organization Size: This can influence your preference for either on-premise or online storage. Businesses operating from various locations will require a more robust solution that can combine data than those with single location operation.
Regulatory Requirement: For many businesses, data backup isn’t just an optional security measure to manage disaster but a mandatory legal requirement which a non-compliance can attract stiff penalties.
Recovery Objectives: Some organizations can tolerate short-term outages. But if you need a rapid recovery solution because downtime is costly for your business, choose a solution that allows you to access and recover backup data quickly.

Best Backup Solutions

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

NAS is a flexible backup option that connects and store files over your computer network. It includes slots for multiple hard drives to expand its storage capacity. With its many file protocol, NAS operates seamlessly with both desktops and laptops. NAS acts as a server connecting your computer network to multiple storage devices.

It is low cost and suitable for small business with multiple computers. Because NAS is not removable, it is susceptible to the same disasters that affect a business’ premise. Some type of NAS with RAIDS technology offers high-level performance.

Cloud Backup

Cloud backup is a very popular backup method. It allows you to back up your data to a third-party server such as Amazon Drive. All you need to do is subscribe to your preferred service and configure your service provider app to automatically back up some or all of your business data at regular intervals.

Cloud backup is low cost and is often free for limited storage. As an off-site storage, it is protected from any disaster that may affect your business IT infrastructure. It may not be a good solution if you want more data privacy.

Another type of cloud backup is private cloud storage which is run and operated by individual businesses. It addresses the problem of privacy that is associated with public cloud storage.

Direct Attached Storage (DAS)

These are storage devices that are directly attached to a computer through an adapter. DAS includes, hard drives, SSDs, and optical drives.

They are affordable as a single unit but each computer will require its own DAS device which may be costly for businesses with a large number of PCs. They are generally not safe from business premise disasters and may not be a suitable tool for backup and recovery plan.

Optical drives such as DVD and Blu-ray discs have largely been replaced as a storage option for businesses. But they are useful in specific situations such as archival storage of small size files.

Conclusion

The best backup strategy is a combination of options where one solution complements the other. Some of the options are easy to deploy but others need the evaluation and expertise of a Business IT support specialist. It is important to test the integrity of your backup solutions before they are needed so they are ready in case of disaster. You are securing your business’ future by protecting your data through a backup and disaster recovery plan. Don’t wait until a problem arises because many companies never recover from data loss. Stay ahead of the game and contact SDTEK to learn more about how you can keep your company safe and secure.

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Understanding IT Security Compliance Requirements for Businesses

February 5, 2025

Protecting sensitive data is more critical than ever before. As cyber threats continue to rise, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced compliance frameworks to ensure businesses take appropriate measures to safeguard data. However, understanding these requirements can be overwhelming, especially since they vary by industry and location. We'll discuss some of the most common IT security compliance frameworks—such as HIPAA, CMMC, and CCPA—and explain their relevance to different industries. Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, or serving California residents, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of IT security compliance.

How IT Support Services Can Enhance Your Business's Cybersecurity Strategy

October 23, 2024

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than just a necessity—it's essential to business survival. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and evolving in sophistication, leaving companies vulnerable to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. A robust cybersecurity strategy is critical to safeguarding your business from these growing threats. One of the most effective ways to enhance your cybersecurity defenses is by leveraging the expertise of professional IT support services. The Importance of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy Every business, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and operational downtime to legal liabilities and damage to your brand's reputation. This is why developing and maintaining a robust cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever. A strong cybersecurity strategy helps your business: Protect sensitive data: Safeguarding customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC2, to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Maintain business continuity: Minimizing disruptions caused by cyberattacks and ensuring quick recovery when incidents occur. Build customer trust: Demonstrating to customers and partners that their data is secure, which can lead to stronger relationships and business growth. While some businesses attempt to handle cybersecurity internally, IT support services offer a more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable approach to protecting your business. Cybersecurity Services Provided by IT Support Teams IT support services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity strategy by offering a wide range of specialized services. Here’s how they contribute to protecting your business: 1. Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Audits One of the first steps in strengthening your cybersecurity strategy is understanding where your business is most vulnerable. IT support teams conduct risk assessments and vulnerability audits to identify potential weaknesses in your network, applications, and infrastructure. These assessments provide a clear picture of your business's risks, enabling you to take targeted action to mitigate those risks. 2. Implementation of Security Protocols Once vulnerabilities are identified, IT support services implement security protocols tailored to your business’s needs. This may include: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Establishing barriers that prevent unauthorized access to your network. Data Encryption: Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, protecting it from cybercriminals. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding extra authentication layers ensures that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data. Endpoint Protection: Securing all devices (laptops, desktops, mobile phones) connected to your network from malware and other threats. Applying these and other security measures can help IT support services fortify your defenses against internal and external threats. 3. Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection Cyberattacks can happen at any time and often occur when businesses are least prepared. IT support services provide 24/7 monitoring to detect suspicious activity in real-time. Through advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence, IT teams can quickly identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate into full-scale attacks. This proactive approach to monitoring reduces downtime, prevents data breaches, and minimizes the impact of cyber incidents. IT support teams can continuously update and patch systems to address emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring your cybersecurity defenses remain current. 4. Incident Response and Remediation Even with robust security measures, no system is entirely immune to cyberattacks. When an incident occurs, the speed and efficiency of the response are critical in minimizing damage. IT support teams are equipped with incident response protocols to quickly isolate affected systems, investigate the root cause, and restore normal operations. With a well-coordinated incident response plan, businesses can significantly reduce downtime, prevent further data loss, and recover quickly from attacks. 5. Security Awareness Training for Employees Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with many attacks originating from phishing schemes, weak passwords, or social engineering. IT support services provide security awareness training to educate your staff about the latest cyber threats and best practices for staying safe online. Training employees on recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and securely handling sensitive data can dramatically reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a security breach. 6. Compliance Support For businesses in regulated industries, staying compliant with data protection regulations is not optional—it’s mandatory. IT support teams can help ensure your business meets all necessary compliance requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, or SOC2. This includes maintaining audit trails, ensuring data encryption, and implementing security controls to protect sensitive information. By working with IT support services, businesses can avoid costly penalties and demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data. Conclusion A strong cybersecurity strategy is vital to any business's success in today’s digital world. By partnering with an IT support service, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defenses through risk assessments, security protocol implementation, continuous monitoring, and employee training. These services protect data and help ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations. If your business wants to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, now is the time to consider working with an IT support provider. Doing so lets you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Ready To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With SDTEK? Don't leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. At SDTEK, we offer comprehensive IT support and managed cybersecurity services designed to protect your business and ensure seamless operations. Whether you need risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, or incident response, our team of experts is here to help. Contact SDTEK today for a free consultation and discover how we can enhance your cybersecurity strategy and safeguard your business. Protect your data, reputation, and future—partner with SDTEK now!