Data recovery, especially in an environment where constant power supply is not guaranteed, has become increasingly important. While the emergence of cloud computing has made business continuity easier to implement and ensure, not all data can be uploaded using only the traditional, all-rounder security measures. All businesses have sensitive or confidential data that need extra protection in case of disaster recovery, but how can these files be best safeguarded?
The general rule can be summed up as 3-2-1: three copies of the data, stored on two different kinds of media, with one of these stored offsite at a storage area network (SAN) or fully functional and redundant disaster recovery site. But how can you be sure that sensitive information will remain secure when it is stored off-site?
The answer is threefold: a competent encryption process, a safe off-site location for backups and a trustworthy service provider.
Encryption
Backup encryption is an important part of a comprehensive security strategy. In an ideal situation, this kind of information should be kept safely under lock and key, accessible to only a few trusted employees, but unfortunately service disruptions can and usually does affect the entire data centre, making off-site storage inevitable.
Any sensitive or confidential data should be protected before being stored off-site, to prevent interception or modification and ensure data integrity and privacy, and maintain compliance with regulatory mandates.
Choosing the right encryption for this information is crucial, as it affects the core business of the company and ultimately the brand integrity. Sensitive data should be well-protected, so you need a recovery service that provides on-site encryption. This means that only you, the client, can access this data.
Off-site location
Today, the most obvious choice is storing data in the cloud, which is, by definition, off-site. But are cloud services safe? They are certainly not immune from data loss or disasters, so data should be backed up elsewhere as well.
Popular cloud computing services like OneDrive do encrypt files, but they are not immune to hackers. Recent leaks from cloud storage made international headlines, albeit very sensationalised. For your own peace of mind, it is advisable to encrypt data before it leaves your hard drive. The encryption keys are safe as they are kept in-house and known only to your company.
The best service provider
Research your cloud computing service provider carefully and make sure the service is tailored to your company’s needs. Strategix offers personalised cloud computing solutions that is secure, easy to use and cost effective.
