What is a secure backup software system, and how does it work?

As part of a robust Zero Trust strategy and a secure IT infrastructure, backing up data is paramount. It will enable your business to recover data if company hardware - like laptops and computers – is stolen or a virus makes its way into an employee's device and destroys local files. 

Consoltech states that up to 94% of companies that suffer severe data loss never recover.  

Not only is a loss of data bad news for your business strategy, but it can also lead to incredible reputational damage.   

To combat this, you should have secure cloud backup solutions that are easy to use and keep your files protected. So, in the event of data loss, you can recover lost files and protect your data. Read on to discover what a secure backup system is, how it works, and things to look out for when choosing your solution. 

What is a secure backup software system? 

A secure backup software system is a program that stores exact copies of your files - such as images and videos - in an encrypted folder in the cloud. Users can then access these files via verification methods - typically by entering their email address and password. 

Why your business should have a secure backup software 

Today’s cyber security landscape has made it increasingly difficult for users to remain secure online. The hybrid working model, which gives workers the flexibility to alternate between home and office, has highlighted the necessity for effective backup software. Without this software, employees risk losing all their files if they misplace or lose their devices while travelling between locations.  

According to a Security Boulevard survey, 56% of respondents reported that a lost laptop resulted in a data breach. 

The possibility still exists that thieves could break into your office and steal your hardware even if you work from home and don't carry any sensitive data.  

Then, excluding factors such as theft, there is the ever-increasing risk of being a victim of a cyber attack, most notably in the form of malware. In the 2022 Cyber Threat Report from SonicWall, there were 2.8 billion recorded malware instances in the first six months of 2022 – a rise of 11% compared to 2021. Backup systems, however, can recover files which are in the cloud. 

Another reason is simply that your device stops working. Technology gets old and eventually no longer serves its purpose. This is by no means your fault, and new technology can be expensive, but a backup software system should be in place so you can recover the files. 

How does it work?  

Modern backup solutions can be configured completely to your liking. They can be done manually, which gives you greater control but are risky if you forget to backup your data and then there is an event that results in data loss.  

The setting we recommend most is; automatic backups. Automatic backups do what it says on the tin - automatically backup your data, leaving you to focus on running your business. You can also choose to schedule the backups. This could be daily, weekly, biweekly, or even when specific events occur. For many users, however, having backups run continuously is the most convenient and fail-safe option. 

A backup software product will usually offer the option to perform either a full or incremental backup. In a full backup, all data is copied, making it the most reliable and user-friendly option. In incremental backups, however, only files that have changed since the last full backup are copied. As there is less data needed to be copied, incremental backups are the more cost-effective option.  

What to look out for when choosing your backup software: 

• Convenience – choose software that you and anyone using it finds simple to use 
• Flexibility – software that has a range of different features for you to choose from, allowing you to customise it to your business needs 
• Reliability – have an established provider using trusted methods to backup your data 
• Price – different businesses have different backup memory needs, so have a good estimate as to how much you’ll need
• Range – choose a solution that allows you to cover multiple devices  

Ultimately, to source the right secure cloud backup solution, you will need to do your research. There are many options available to you, so you need to assess them to find the one that best suits your business needs. 

At Zero Trust Solutions, we can help you find the best backup software systems that are suited to your business. Contact us to learn more.