Many people use synchronization services to guarantee data is accessible from any computer or mobile device.

However, synchronization only retains specific files. It’s still important that you make sure all your files and programs are backed up, even those on external hard drives.

It’s also imperative that you think about if you need to backup images on your desktop computers or servers. If your server goes out, getting some files doesn’t connotate your server is functioning. You need the program files and operating system functioning at peak performance. Here are some suggestions:

Back up to multiple destinations – You shouldn’t need convincing that backing up your files is imperative. Even more, online backup is the way to go. But two places are better than one. One physical in case your system breaks down and one online in case there’s a fire or theft at your business. If you only follow one of these suggestions, multiple destinations backup is the one to take to heart!

Pick a secure online backup provider – When picking an online backup provider, be sure that your data will be encrypted when it leaves your computer. The top systems use at least 448-bit encryption and lets you have your own private key, making it impossible for anyone but you to get to your data.

Pick a complete backup provider – all backup solutions are not created equal. Some things to look for are:

~ The capability to back up from and to external drives

~The capability to effortlessly restore your files

~Mobile applications which quick access to your files from your tablet or smartphone

Make sure your backup system saves multiple versions of any files – It’s common these days for backup software to save many previous versions of a file. The top systems let you specify how often a new version is saved, how many types of each file are kept, and for what length of time.

Make sure your backup system retains deleted files – Most backup systems keep copies of deleted files for a period of time before purging them from the backup data. 30 days is the usual.

Realize Sync Does NOT Equal Backup – There are many good file sync systems, which make it simple to keep a set of files synchronized between two or more computers. This is helpful if you have files that you want to have available from more than one location.

Even though typical sync systems seem like they are creating backups of your files, it can be problematic because of the nature of sync. If you erase something from one computer, that removal is also done on any other machine on the account.

Therefore, if you unintentionally delete a file from your synced data set, and don’t know it right away, there’s a probability it will be gone from all the other equipment.

Make sure backup is automatic and unobtrusive – There are backup solutions that operate automatically and constantly without needing any intervention from the user. This assists small businesses in ensuring that all data is being backed up consistently, rather than leaving it in the hands of staff members to do.

Verify that your backup is actually backing up – Don’t wait until a catastrophe happens to check your backup. It’s smart to select some data from each of your backup destinations and restore it to be certain it works as it should.

RedWave Technology Group, LLC is a trusted data backup specialist.  Give us a call or contact us here to discuss your data backup needs.