Nothing can damage your business and its image more than losing your clients’ data. Unfortunately, as more and more businesses invest in moving everything online, the chances of data loss continue to increase. While it may seem like something you can’t control, taking a few steps to tie some loose ends could help you avoid major, business-crushing data loss.

How does data loss occur?

You can lose your data in any of these three ways:

• Hardware Failure: The hard disks on your servers, desktops and laptops have a lifespan. One day they will fail. But, apart from that, poor quality or incorrect usage could wipe years of data away.
• Software Corruption: Any software that fails to work as it is supposed to or results in erroneous information is making you lose correct data. After all, the whole process of inputting data and processing it is to gain useful information at the other end.
• Security Breach: If someone manages to get behind your network and access your servers, there’s a good chance they’re there to steal or destroy your data.

Don’t worry; as daunting a task as it may seem, you will be able to avoid data loss by simply plugging these holes.

How do you prevent data loss?

Let’s have a look at the ways you can prevent losing any data.

1. Always backup files.

This point comes first because it’s the most logical answer to any sort of data loss. You should make it a matter of principle to backup all your relevant data. Depending on your business setup and budget, you can opt for:

• Local backup: Although not advisable, you could do your own backups and then store the information off-site.
• Remote backup: You can hire a business to handle your data backup remotely.
• Cloud backup: If you have your data stored on a cloud server, then your hosting provider will take care of all the backup issues for you.

With your backup protocol in place, all that will matter is the time it will take for you to come back online in case of a total wipeout.

2. Increase security.

There is no such thing as too much security. People are losing data left and right because digital thieves are becoming more and more tech savvy. Viruses and malware are advancing and becoming harder to detect as they attack devices on a global scale.

The best you can do is to upgrade all your security software, install newly recommended ones and keep an eye on any attempts at illegal access of your data or network. You will need a dedicated security staff that will be able to monitor all of this, but it will always be worth it.

3. Conduct software audits.

Any software that your business uses should be monitored for performance. This is especially true if you have applications or processes that have been designed in-house.  When you buy third-party software, make sure you go for software that has been thoroughly tested and reviewed. You don’t want to risk your entire business just to save a few bucks.

4. Maintain hardware upkeep.

Make it a point to regularly upgrade your hardware as it reaches its warranty. You should have a budget to replace outdated or heavily used hardware. Opt for quality products if you want to cut down on long-term costs.

5. Ensure good data hosting.

Again, you shouldn’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. There are many data hosting providers that can meet all of your demands and more without costing you an arm and a leg. Do some research to find the optimal hosting provider – they are out there.

6. Put good IT policy in place.

Every business needs an IT policy. You can’t run your technologies without a clear way to utilize all your resources. Everyone working in your business needs to be aware of what they can and can’t do – things like safety protocol, access restrictions, software update schedules and more. The policy should be regularly updated and placed where everyone can easily access it.

7. Create awareness.

No matter what you do, nothing will work if you all aren’t on the same page when it comes to keeping your business safe. Conduct regular training and seminars to let your staff know of the latest security threats, how to handle them and what they can do to stay safe. Everything from keeping secure passwords to correctly using your hardware should be taken into consideration.

Staunch data loss

If you have the points above covered, you should be safe from data loss. It’s always good to be prepared with backups, even if you have implemented all the other tips. As they say, better safe than sorry!