How to Prevent Data Loss?
The most effective way to prevent business data loss is to back up all of your documents and files. Backing up data means that you have at least one additional copy of all important data. For the most effective backup plan, store your backups in a physically separate location to prevent the risk of data loss from theft or physical destruction.
Cloud storage is also an effective means of backing up data as it stores data remotely and is easily accessed from any device through the Internet. Cloud storage often has more space than a traditional server and does not pose risks of crashing. According to Small Business Trends, 78 % of small businesses are projected to use cloud storage to back up their data by 2020. While cloud storage eliminates the possibility of physical damage or theft, data can still be lost in the cloud if it is accidentally overwritten, deleted, or stolen by hackers.
No matter how you choose to back up your data, it is mandatory to make sure your data is backing up properly before a catastrophic data loss occurs. No one wants to realize after a data loss that files did not write correctly to the backup server and are corrupted. Perform periodic tests of backed up data to ensure your documents are properly formatted and there is sufficient space to store your files in your backup destination. Backups should be performed regularly so that minimal data is lost should your main system for data storage go down.
In addition to the ever-crucial backup, here are some other techniques to avoid business data loss:
- Partition your hard drive: Partitioning a hard drive means creating separate program and data zones. This means that if the program portion of a hard drive crashes, you may be able to recover the data because it is stored in a separate location.
- Perform disk defragmentation: The process of saving and deleting files naturally creates gaps on the hard drive that other files are then filled into. When data is split into segments for storage it takes longer for the computer to access the data and also makes file corruption more likely if the hard drive crashes. Defragmentation arranges files more contiguously to lower the risk of data loss and speed up the computer processing time.
- Use anti-virus software: Anti-virus software is a necessity to prevent malware and viruses from infecting your computer. Be sure to keep anti-virus software updated so it runs properly and effectively.
- Keep your computer clean and dry: Dust or moisture collecting in a computer can cause the hard drive to crash or computer to overheat. Store all computers and laptops in dry, ventilated areas.
- Keep computers in a safe location: Computers should be kept stationary and in a location where they are not likely to be damaged or jostled. Keeping your computers out of the way will also reduce the risk of theft.
- Control employee access: All employees working with company data should be properly trained about confidentiality or how data can be shared. It is in the best interest of your company to control who can access different levels of data to protect from accidental or intentional data loss.
Contact ACM to Learn More
Need help implementing systems to protect your data against losses and ensure your business’ continuity? Achievement Solutions can help with experienced technicians who can design and implement the solutions you need. Our innovative services have helped more than two thousand companies improve their systems and we can do the same for your business.
Start your ACM journey today — contact us today either by our hotline at 6295 5962 or email us at info@achievement.com.sg to discover our custom solutions.
