8 Key Elements of Data Backup Strategy

Database backups are a key component of protecting your organization’s data. Your database backup strategy should include multiple layers of protection, each with a different purpose. Some layers can help you recover from user errors, others can help back up your databases locally for fast restoration in case of accidental deletions, and others are there to protect you against natural disasters or data loss. You could choose to add yet other layers engaged in backing up your databases in the cloud to protect you from equipment failure or natural disaster. For larger businesses, it might make sense to replicate the production database in many different regions around the world. In case of failure in any single region, it will be possible to reroute traffic to another region and keep running until normal operations are restored.

What Is Data Backup?

There are four main types of backup – Full, Incremental, Differential, and Transaction-Log. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on the needs of your organization, but full backups are the most popular.

Full backups create a copy of all data files in the database at one time. This makes them a good choice when you want to restore everything from scratch or if you need to move your DB to another server without any downtime. Some databases require more frequent full backups than others—this will depend on factors such as overall size and rate at which new data is added (you’ll need fewer full with less frequent changes). In general, though, full backups should be run once per day or week at a minimum. You can also take multiple full backups at once to save time if you have enough disk space available. For more information, please contact IT Support Denver.

8 Key Elements of Data Backup Strategy

Onsite Backups

Onsite backups are stored in a location that is on the same physical premises as the data center or computer. Onsite backups can be stored on a hard drive, tape, or other media. Onsite backups are the most common types of data backup.

Storage of Older Backups

Keeping older backups safe and secure is a critical element of a database backup strategy. Older backups need to be protected in a way that they can be recovered if necessary. This can be done by storing them in an off-site location, such as in a remote storage facility or another office location.

Offsite Backup

Off-site backup is a copy of your data stored in a remote location. This ensures redundancy, meaning that you’re less likely to lose all of your data if something happens to the physical location where it’s being kept. Off-site backups provide protection against theft or natural disasters.

Data Center Standards

Datacenter standards are the best way to ensure that your data is protected and recoverable. Data centers must maintain strict standards for physical security apart from paying close attention fire protection, HVAC, and power. 

Physical security starts with access control at the perimeter of your facility. This includes both perimeter fencing and gates as well as entrance doors to your building(s). Your building should be located in a secure area away from other buildings, busy streets, or public areas where it could be vulnerable to vandalism or theft. Also, consider installing cameras around entrances and exits as well as inside corridors leading into server rooms or work areas where sensitive documents may be kept.

The next layer of protection is access control within server rooms themselves. This can include biometrics such as fingerprint scanners at entry points or smart cards carried by IT staff. 

Passive income 101 ebook

Download your free copy of passive income 101 ebook by leaving your email address.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

First Name

Email Address

We use this field to detect spam bots. If you fill this in, you will be marked as a spammer.

Subscribe I won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Data Transmission Controls

The data transmitted from the database server to the backup server must be protected from eavesdropping, alteration, or replay. There are several ways to accomplish this:

• Data encryption – Encrypted data is extremely hard for an attacker to read without breaking the encryption algorithm itself. This requires a key exchange between sender and receiver before any encrypted data can be sent over a network connection. 
• Data transmission over secure channels – Secure channels use one or more protocols (such as SSH) that provide integrity protection via digital signatures. These also ensure confidentiality protection using encryption algorithms such as AES-256. IT Consulting Services Denver can help your local business implement the same.

Backup Schedule

A backup schedule is a set of actions that should be taken at specific times to ensure that data is properly backed up. Backups are meant to provide protection against data loss, but they cannot do so if they’re not taken on a regular basis. The frequency with which backups should be taken depends on the amount and sensitivity of the data being stored in the database, as well as how often changes are made to it. For example, when you implement new software packages or make significant changes to your database structure (such as adding tables or fields), you’d want a new backup created immediately after those changes go live.

Automatic Cloud Backup

Automatic cloud backup is a cost-effective solution that can be used to back up your data in the cloud. It allows you to back up your database without purchasing additional hardware and it is easy to use. An automatic cloud backup solution can configure a library of files or directories, then tell the application where those files are located. After that, all you have to do is make sure that your database is connected with an internet connection and set up for automatic backups.

Backup Testing

Backup testing is a critical part of your backup strategy. It’s not something you can do once and forget about—backup testing must be performed on a regular basis, and it may be necessary to perform it more than once per year.Your company’s backup tests should be documented, so that you have a record of what was tested, whether there were any problems during the test and how those problems were addressed. You’ll also need reputed third-party validity testing, such as those offered by Managed IT Services Denver to verify the backups. This will help ensure that no errors are missed in either the testing or implementation processes.

You might also like to read:

• Things To Consider When Choosing A Database Management System
• Choosing the Best Data Backup Solution for your Business
• Simple tips you can do today to make your business more secure
• How to protect yourself from ransomware
• What is Teachable and 4 new ways to use it besides hosting your online courses for free