La data backup is one of the simplest security measures to put in place, and yet one of the most overlooked in SMEs. A ransomware attack, a hardware failure or human error can wipe out years’ worth of customer data, invoices or contracts. Without a reliable, tested backup, it can take days to resume business operations. Here are the fundamental principles for building a robust strategy, even with limited IT resources.
Understanding what needs to be prioritised for backup
Not all of a company’s data is equally critical. Before choosing a solution, it is first necessary to identify what is essential for business continuity in the event of an incident.
Critical data versus recoverable data
The critical data are those whose loss would cause immediate and irreparable damage: customer databases, accounting data, contracts, business application configurations, production databases. Recoverable data — working documents, old emails, temporary files — may have a lower backup priority. This distinction allows bandwidth and storage budget to be allocated where the risk is highest.
Don’t forget the business applications
Many SMEs back up their office files but forget about their application databases. However, a customised web application or business software without its database is unusable. The data backup must cover the files and all the application environments that keep the business running.
Apply the 3-2-1 rule
La rule 3-2-1 is the gold standard for data backup: keep three copies of the data, on two different media, one of which is off-site. It’s easy to remember and covers most data loss scenarios.
Why a single backup isn’t enough
A backup stored on the same server as the original data does not protect against a system failure or a cyberattack. A second copy stored on a separate medium provides protection against hardware failures. An off-site copy, in the cloud, protects against physical incidents: fire, flooding, theft.
Automate to avoid relying on human memory
Manual backups are reliable until the day they aren’t. Set up automatic back-ups with a frequency tailored to the criticality of the data — daily for production databases, weekly for archives — ensures that no human error creates a breach in the strategy.
Test the restoration regularly
A backup that has never been tested offers no real guarantee. Corrupted files, a poorly documented restoration procedure or a format that is incompatible with the current version of the software can render a backup unusable precisely when you need it most.
Simulate an incident before it happens
A regular restore test — at least once every three months — involves restoring the backed-up data to a test environment and checking its integrity. This is the only way to confirm that the backup is actually working.
Document the return procedure
The recovery procedure must be documented and accessible even if the technical manager is absent. In the event of a crisis, every minute counts: clear documentation reduces recovery time and prevents errors under pressure.
Protecting backups against cyberattacks
Modern ransomware also targets backups. A backup accessible from the same network as the infected systems can be encrypted in the same way as the original data. The backup security is therefore just as important as the security of the data itself.
Isolate backups from the main network
Best practice recommends storing at least one backup copy on a storage medium air-gapped (offline) or in a cloud environment with multi-factor authentication and restricted access. This isolation prevents an attack on the main network from simultaneously compromising the backups. A technical and security audit enables you to assess the actual vulnerability of your backups and rectify any risky configurations.
Encrypt the backed-up data
Data stored off-site must be encrypted to prevent a data breach or unauthorised access to cloud storage from exposing sensitive information. Encryption at source — before transfer — is the recommended practice for personal data subject to RGPD.
Outsource hosting and backups to a reliable partner
For an SME without a dedicated IT team, managing its own backup infrastructure poses a significant risk and represents a considerable burden. Outsourcing this responsibility to a technical service provider allows the business to benefit from a professional infrastructure without having to maintain it in-house.
What professional web hosting covers
A application hosting and maintenance A professional solution includes automatic backups, availability monitoring and disaster recovery plans. Its monthly cost is often less than the cost of a single day’s business interruption.
Check the service provider’s contractual obligations
Before entrusting your data to a cloud or hosting provider, it is essential to check the contractual commitments: frequency of backups, retention period, guaranteed recovery time, and the geographical location of the data to ensure GDPR compliance. The website maintenance The solution proposed by iterates incorporates these safeguards from the outset. A Brussels grants may also cover part of these investments in cybersecurity and hosting.
Secure your data with iterates
iterates supports Brussels-based SMEs in implementing strategies for data backup robust, integrated into their hosting and maintenance solutions. The continuity of your data is ensured over the long term.
