A backup is a digital copy of your business’ most important information, which might be anything from trade secrets and company policies, to growth plans and client data. While it’s essential to have a backup, it can also put your business at risk in a cyber attack. Backup systems are often the easiest thing to steal when your data has been compromised, writes Phil Parisis, Head of Product and Sales at My Business.

Cyber crime is on the rise in Australia, with the Australian Cyber Security Centre reporting that Australians are targeted by cyber criminals every seven minutes.

Having all your important data in one place is also an easy target for cyber criminals. So how can you protect your most valuable assets? Here’s four great places to start.

1. Backup often

You should be backing up your data regularly. How often depends on how frequently your data changes and how important that data is. Your routine might be hourly or daily, or once a week or month.

Consider making this process automatic so you don’t have to worry about forgetting.

2. Security

Make sure your backup systems can only be accessed with strong security measures. Use encryption so nobody can get into the files without the key.

It’s a good idea to disconnect your backup when not in use, so it can’t spread to your connected media if it is infected by ransomware or malware. It also dramatically reduces the risk of your backup becoming infected.

Cloud backup services should have multi-factor authentication turned on so even if cyber criminals access your password, they won’t be able to obtain all your data.

Learn about the 3-2-1 backup rule to keep your data safe:

3. Recovery

In the event of a breach, whether it be a cyber attack or equipment failure or loss, your recovery is key. Test your recovery of backups at least every three months.

If you’re using a cloud backup solution, check what available channels there are for recovery such as online or physical restoration. Can they send you the drives by mail? If you’re using a physical backup like a hard drive, make sure they’re kept in a fire/waterproof safe when done.

It can be a good idea to keep an offline backup – one not connected to any devices or networks. With at least one backup kept offline, you will always have one available that has not been corrupted by malware or a ransomware attack which you can use to restore your business’ data. A simple way of doing this is to use multiple storage devices such as hard drives, which you can regularly swap over.

4. Reliability

Make sure you know the policies of the backup provider you’re using. Do they have a strong set of cyber security protocols, and what do they do for their own recovery during a catastrophic event? If you’re trusting them with your most valuable information you want to make sure their policies are aligned with your own.

Given how valuable your business data is, you want to make sure your backup system is secure, up to date and available when needed.

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