Backup Strategies for SMEs

Data loss can drive a company to ruin. Yet many SMEs underestimate the importance of a solid backup strategy. This article shows how to effectively protect your data.

Why Backups Are Vital

Scenarios That Can Happen to Anyone

• Ransomware: Encrypts all your data

• Hardware failure: Hard drives die without warning

• Human error: Accidental deletion happens

• Natural disasters: Fire, water, lightning

• Theft: Burglars also take servers

The Frightening Reality

• 60% of SMEs that suffer a major data loss close within 6 months

• Only 25% of companies regularly test their backups

• Recovery time is often massively underestimated

The 3-2-1 Rule Explained

This proven strategy minimizes the risk of total data loss:

3 Copies

• The original + 2 backup copies

• More redundancy = more security

2 Media Types

• Not everything on the same technology

• Example: Local hard drive + cloud

1 Off-Site

• At least one copy outside the location

• Protection against local disasters

Modern Extension: 3-2-1-1-0

+1 Offline

• One copy completely disconnected from the network

• Protection against ransomware spreading in the network

0 Errors

• Regular verification of backup integrity

• Automated tests

Backup Types Compared

Full Backup

• Advantages: Simple recovery, independent

• Disadvantages: Time-consuming, storage-intensive

• Recommendation: Weekly or monthly

Incremental Backup

• Advantages: Fast, space-saving

• Disadvantages: Recovery needs all parts

• Recommendation: Daily

Differential Backup

• Advantages: Faster recovery than incremental

• Disadvantages: Grows over time

• Recommendation: Combination with full backups

Cloud Backup: Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Automatically off-site

• Scalable without hardware purchase

• Access from anywhere

• Professional infrastructure

Disadvantages

• Dependency on internet connection

• Ongoing costs

• Data protection considerations

• Recovery time for large data volumes

Our Recommendation

Hybrid approach: Local backup for quick recovery + cloud for disaster protection

Critical Questions About Your Current Strategy

1. When was your last backup?

2. Have you ever tested it?

3. How long does a full recovery take?

4. Are all critical data captured?

5. Who is responsible?

Backup Checklist for SMEs

Conclusion

A backup that has never been tested is not a backup – it's a hope. Invest time in a well-thought-out strategy and test regularly. In an emergency, you'll be grateful.

Free Backup Check

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