Why Simply Having a File and Folder Backup System Is Not Going to Cut It

Scott Starost • August 23, 2016

If your company has (and regularly updates) a traditional file and folder backup system, then you’re certainly on the right track when it comes to minimizing downtime and improving business continuity. However, if that’s all you have for a backup system, it simply isn’t enough.

How Much Downtime does Hardware/Software Failure Create?

Think for a minute about how much your company relies on hardware and software to operate. If your servers all shut down right this very moment, would you still be able to run your business? Not really. When servers crash, it’s like your business simply vanishes. Your web address brings up an error for customers, your customer service agents can’t answer questions, and your sales team is unable to sell because they can’t process any orders. Hardware and/or software failure is detrimental to your business, and even a single hour can have a tremendous impact on your reputation.

Why Shouldn’t Companies Keep Cloud-Based Backups?

You’ve probably heard a lot about cloud-based backups. Essentially, these services allow you to set up a bit of software that automatically sends and syncs your data with a cloud service provider. Then, in the event that a disaster strikes or your servers go down, you can simply recover your content and pick up where you left off – right? Not exactly. Unfortunately, recovering from a disaster by downloading your content from an online service provider takes ages. Your goal is to make sure you get your business up and running with as little downtime as possible.

Why Is a Physical Off-Site Backup a Better Choice?

Physical data storage is a much better choice for your backups. Colocation provides you with more benefits, since you can rent space for backup servers and other hardware in a different location. You can choose to manage these servers on your own, or you could pay the colocation facility to manage them for you. Alternatively, subscribing to a Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) service is another great way to recover from failed hardware and/or software. BDR solutions are typically fully managed on your behalf. BDR services provide very fast onsite and offsite recovery of your servers. Either way, if your hardware or software system fails on-site, you have replicated system on a server in another facility ready to go. This creates almost no downtime whatsoever, which is ideal when it comes to business continuity.

Is The Investment Worth It?

There’s no doubt that creating copies of entire servers and storing them in colocation facilities is an investment. However, you can rest comfortably in the knowledge that in the event of a disaster, it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make. You have choices available to you, as well. For example, if you already have your own servers, you can simply rent the space on the facility racks. If you don’t have servers, you may be able to rent them from the company you choose or subscribe to a Backup and Disaster Recovery service. There are many options available to fit your company’s unique needs and budget.

Although a file and folder backup system is a great first step in protecting your business continuity in the event of a disaster or hardware failure, it isn’t enough on its own. Redundancy is vital to the success of your business in the event of an emergency, and there are companies out there that can provide just the right solution for your needs.

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.
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!
Share by: