Data security is a tremendously fundamental concept in this era of tech-savvy internet users. As technology advances, so do the internet users, that includes hackers and other malicious people. Due to the rise of cyber insecurity, internet users are hungry for data security solutions that will protect all their data, most especially sensitive information.
Data backup solutions are impressive in storing data in a secure location, but even then, you must execute some extra precautions to safeguard your information further. This article explores more on data backup security, to help you understand the different ways in which you can make your data backups more secure.
Limit Access
The whole point of securing your data is to protect it from both external and internal factors that may compromise its security, and that involves people around you too. There is no point in protecting your data if anyone can access it at free will.
Limiting access involves giving a specified number of person access to parts of the data. The more sensitive a piece of information, the less the number of people should have access. Have restrictions also on who can be involved in the backup process, not just the information retrieval process. The idea is to have adequate control over all the information generated on your business.
Further, ensure you overlook all web-based interfaces on your business that offer backup access to people.
Storing backups offsite
Data backup on different locations is the wisest idea for any business owner. In a scenario where your office space is damaged by fire, for instance, it would be helpful to have a copy of your backups on a different site.
Regardless of the backup solution you choose, say, the ottomotik.io, make sure you deliberate an offsite location for part of your backup. Use the 3-2-1 backup strategy. The technique implies having three copies of your data, two stored in separate physical devices, and one off-site.
Use strong passwords and passphrases
Passwords and passphrases are the most prevalent methods of securing data in mobile phones, laptops, and accounts. However, today, people are armed with the skills to crack codes and passwords which is why you must be intentional in making them concrete.
Determine the use of a tool like LastPass that will not only help you generate secure passwords but will also store your complex passwords, so you do not always have to remember them when logging in.
Encrypt your backups
Encrypting provides an extra layer of protection to your data and gives you access to tight backup security, protecting it from malicious software, not to mention, people. To encrypt your data for optimal safety, come up with robust passwords, particularly for sensitive data.
Unlike passwords that can be used anywhere including social media accounts, encryption works mostly for hard drives, phones, laptops, portable media, and other hardware devices.
Properly discard unwanted data
Upon identifying unwanted files like duplicates and old data, it is vital to dump them appropriately. If at all you are not interested in reviewing and updating the data, do not just press delete. Ensure that you do not leave behind remnants of the files in any of your off-site or on-site backup locations.
Further, if part of your data is on paper, shred it and correctly discard the trach with a trusted renowned company.
Use fireproof and media-rated safes
A fireproof safe is only secure for data protection as far as paperwork is concerned. Nonetheless, if you consider storing your hard drives, CDs, tapes and other optical disks and magnetic drives, a fireproof safe might not be so much help. Since plastics have a lower melting point than paper, a fire-proof and media-rated safe would serve you more justice and better protect your backups.
Research about your data backup vendors
So many people have come up with different inventions on how to backup data in the cloud, among other sites, but you must be careful of your choice. When selecting a vendor, you must consider the terms and conditions that might compromise the security of your information.
Be keen on contracts because they have a fallback plan that may not work to your advantage, especially where the fallback measures will not keep your sensitive data from being exposed to the public.
It is likely that all your backed up data can be compromised, either by mishandling mismanagement or accident. With these extra measures, you should be able to heighten the security of your information from loss or undeserved exposure.
