Regular Backups

A disaster could strike at any time, causing your company to lose some or all of its data. Have up-to-date copies of your information stored off-site. This could save your company in case of fire, earthquake, cyber-terrorist attack, or other calamity.

Five guidelines can help you create an efficient back-up system.

Establish a schedule

Routinely have "BACK UP DATA" scheduled on your calendar. Some back-up software will automatically do this for you. All you need to do is insert your form of media—CD, DVD, tape drive, etc.

Back-up before every new installation

This will allow you to restore all of your old settings in case a new application or operating system reconfigures your system.

Store copies off-site

Consider getting a safe deposit box to store your backup information. If your office is destroyed in a fire or flood, you'll rest easier knowing your data didn't get lost with your office equipment.

Rotate your back-up equipment

Never use the same high-speed tape drive repeatedly. If it fails, you will lose all of your data. Rotate between two or three tapes so you still have one to fall back on.

Consider a back-up service

A growing number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer data storage services. If you use a broadband connection (T1, DSL, Cable), consider your ISP as a data storage facility.

The CERT^® Coordination Center offers good information regarding backups.