Data loss: is your business at risk?

Data loss risks using a laptop

Did you know that a third of all data loss is caused by problems with backups?

Many businesses assume that data loss is something that happens to others. It’s easy to believe that your data is safe once you have backup tools in place. But the reality is more complicated – and more dangerous. Data loss happens frequently, and the very tools that are supposed to protect you can sometimes be the cause. In fact, a third of all data loss comes from problems with backups themselves.

In this blog, we’ll look at the critical misconceptions surrounding data loss and backup strategies that many businesses face today, along with steps to ensure you protect your business’s most vital asset: its data.

How safe is cloud storage?

The idea that data is safe just because it’s stored in the cloud is a misconception that many businesses fall into. Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are undoubtedly convenient, but their core function isn’t to ensure your data is always available. While these services do store your data, they don’t guarantee that you’ll be able to recover it when something goes wrong. Microsoft and Google’s terms clearly recommend that businesses maintain their own backups, but many overlook this, assuming cloud storage is enough.

The problem is, data stored in the cloud is still vulnerable to risks like accidental deletion, malware, and ransomware attacks. If an employee mistakenly deletes critical data or an attacker locks you out of your files, relying solely on cloud providers can leave you stranded. Even worse, many businesses think they can use built-in recovery tools, only to discover that backups are corrupted or missing.

This is where most businesses need to rethink their approach to data protection. Backup tools should offer peace of mind, not more uncertainty. But the truth is, many tools don’t live up to their promise. A recent report shows that half of businesses using backup tools still end up paying ransoms to retrieve their files after ransomware attacks. They pay not because they want to, but because it’s quicker than trying to navigate their own recovery tools.

Recoverable, accessible & secure

At Ingenio, we believe in the recoverable, accessible and secure (RAS) approach to backups. Data is the lifeblood of your business and it needs to be recoverable quickly, completely accessible and secure from all forms of cyber threats. This is why we offer more than just backup tools; we provide ongoing management, monitoring, and verification to ensure that your data is always safe.

The 3-2-1 rule of backup: a reliable solution

We follow the 3-2-1 rule, which ensures that your data is always protected. This means:

  • Three copies of your data
  • Two different storage media (such as local and cloud-based)
  • One copy stored offsite for maximum protection

This principle means that no matter what happens – whether it’s a ransomware attack, a hardware failure or human error – your data is always recoverable. For businesses, relying on backup solutions, the 3-2-1 rule is critical.

Half of businesses using backup tools still end up paying ransoms to retrieve their files after ransomware attacks

Why even cloud data needs backups

Services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace store your data, but they don’t cover every scenario. Data can still be lost or corrupted. Both Microsoft and Google advise users to implement third-party backup systems for comprehensive protection. We provide cloud backup solutions that are tailored for our clients, ensuring that emails, SharePoint files, Teams chats, and Google Drive documents are safe – even in the event of a breach or accidental deletion.

On-premises and legacy systems: don't overlook them

Many businesses still rely on on-premises servers or critical workstations running older applications, such as Sage accounts or other Line of Business (LOB) systems. These systems might not have vendor support anymore, but they still play a vital role in daily operations. That’s why regular backups for these servers and workstations are essential. We ensure that everything, from server image backups to workstation backups, is secure, making sure no part of your IT environment is left exposed.

Data loss: our expertise

At Ingenio, we specialise in providing robust data backup solutions for businesses in Sussex and across the South East. From setting up backups to monitoring them daily, we ensure that your data is not only stored securely but can also be accessed and restored quickly when you need it. We’ll also review your data protection strategy, making sure it’s built to withstand the unexpected. 

Whether your data is stored in the cloud or on your premises, our goal is simple: make sure your business never has to experience the nightmare of lost data. And when it comes to data backups, it’s more than just ticking a box – it means making sure your data is protected, recoverable, and resilient in the face of any threat.

Ready to take your data protection to the next level?

Backing up your business isn’t just about copying files; it’s about ensuring you can always get them back when you need them most. Reach out to us today to make sure your data is recoverable, accessible, and secure.

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