5 Common Backup Mistakes Businesses Make
And How To Avoid Them
Backing up business data is critical if not essential, yet many companies still make common backup mistakes that leave them vulnerable to data loss, ransomware, and downtime. A solid backup strategy isn’t just about having a copy of your files—it’s about ensuring those backups are secure, up to date, and easily recoverable.
For business owners in Texas, avoiding these common backup mistakes can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a catastrophic loss. Let’s explore five of the most common backup mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not Having a Backup Strategy
Many businesses assume their data is safe simply because they have an external hard drive or a cloud account. However, without a comprehensive backup strategy, they are still at risk. To learn more about other backup strategies here.
How to Avoid It:
- Implement the 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Keep three copies of your data, on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite.
- Schedule regular backups and test them frequently.
- Work with an IT professional to develop a strategy tailored to your business needs.
2. Relying on a Single Backup Location
Storing all backup data in one place—whether on a local server, external drive, or even a single cloud provider—puts your business at risk. If a natural disaster, cyberattack, or system failure occurs, you could lose everything. Remember the phrase “don’t keep all of your eggs in the same basket.” The reason such an old phrase has lived this long is because the lesson is eternal. Learn why backups alone are not enough here.
How to Avoid It:
- Use redundant storage locations (on-site and cloud).
- Diversify your cloud providers to reduce dependency on a single service.
- Consider air-gapped backups for critical data that needs extra protection from ransomware.
3. Failing to Test Backups Regularly
A backup is only as good as its ability to restore your data. Many businesses don’t realize their backups are incomplete or corrupted until they need them.
How to Avoid It:
- Perform regular test restores to ensure your backups work.
- Automate backup verification to catch issues early.
- Establish a disaster recovery plan that includes backup testing procedures.
4. Not Protecting Backups from Cyber Threats
Cybercriminals target backups to prevent businesses from recovering after an attack. Without proper security, ransomware, hacking, and insider threats can compromise backup data. Learn how encryption keeps data safe here.
How to Avoid It:
- Encrypt your backups both in transit and at rest.
- Restrict access to backups with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Use immutable backups, which cannot be altered or deleted for a set period.
5. Ignoring Compliance and Legal Requirements
Many industries have strict data retention and security requirements. Failing to comply can result in fines, lawsuits, and loss of business credibility.
How to Avoid It:
- Understand and follow regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and Texas state laws.
- Store backups for the required retention period and dispose of old data securely.
- Work with a managed IT provider to ensure compliance.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Backup Mistakes Cost Your Business
A strong backup strategy is one of the most critical investments you can make to protect your business. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your data is always secure, recoverable, and compliant.
At SofTouch Systems, we specialize in secure, managed backup solutions for businesses in Central and South Texas. Whether you need help designing a strategy or securing your backups against cyber threats, we’re here to help.