How to Ensure Your Backed-up Data is Properly Protected

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Backing up data is a critical task, but it’s also one that’s often overlooked. Whether it’s critical business information, personal photos, or anything in between, losing data can have disastrous consequences, especially when it comes to malicious cyberattacks. Still, most people don’t properly protect their backed-up data, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches, theft, and loss. 

This article will cover how you can ensure your data is properly protected after you’ve backed it up. Continue reading to learn how to choose a backup solution and which best practices to implement for safeguarding your important details. 

How To Choose the Most Secure Backup Solutions 

When selecting a backup solution for your data, it’s important to consider the level of security it provides. Encryption is key when it comes to protecting your most sensitive information. 

There are two types of encryption to consider when searching for a backup solution: 

  • Encryption at rest 

  • Encryption in transit

Encryption at rest protects data that is stored on a hard drive or another storage device, while encryption in transit protects data as it’s being transferred from one device to another. Make sure the backup solution you choose offers both types of encryption.

Another factor to consider is the type of storage being used. Two common options are cloud storage and external hard drives. 

Cloud storage provides the benefit of accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, but it’s important to carefully research providers to ensure they have robust security measures in place. Without secure encryption on the platform you choose, it’s easy to fall victim to cyberattacks and data breaches. 

External hard drives are a more traditional option, but they must be stored securely and regularly backed up to prevent data loss in the event of a device failure. Since hard drives are a form of physical storage, this solution also leaves your data vulnerable in the event of a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire. 

When researching backup solution providers, it’s important to consider their reputation and the security measures they have in place. Look for companies that have a proven track record of protecting customer data and have the necessary certifications and accreditations, such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001. 

Implementing Best Practices for Backed-up Data Protection

In addition to selecting a secure backup solution, there are several best practices you should follow to ensure the proper protection of your backed-up data. One of the most important is regularly updating your software and systems. Keeping them up to date can help you prevent vulnerabilities and keep your data secure.

Restricting access to backed-up data is another critical step in ensuring its protection. Strong passwords and two-factor authentication can go a long way in preventing unauthorized access to your data. Make sure to follow good password hygiene, such as using long, complex passwords and avoiding the reuse of passwords.

Conducting regular security audits is also important. This includes monitoring for unauthorized access to your backed-up data and testing the effectiveness of security measures. These audits can help identify any weaknesses in your security posture and allow you to make necessary improvements.

How Can You Prepare for Disasters and Data Loss? 

Disasters can happen at any time and result in the loss of critical data. Some disastrous events that may affect your stored information include: 

To prepare for these events, it’s essential to have a disaster recovery plan in place. Your plan should identify critical data and determine how to restore it in the event of a loss.

Testing disaster recovery procedures are also critical. By regularly running simulations, you can determine the effectiveness of your plan and identify areas for improvement. Reviewing the results of these simulations will help you make the necessary changes to ensure you’re prepared for a real-life disaster.

Last but not least, it’s important to make sure your backed-up data is stored off-site. This can prevent physical damage to your data in the event of a disaster and maintain access to your information in the event of an emergency.

Need Help Protecting Your Data? 

Properly protecting your backed-up data is critical to ensuring the integrity of your most sensitive information. By selecting a secure backup solution and implementing best practices for data protection, as well as preparing for disasters and data loss, you can be sure your private details are safe at all times. 

Remember to stay vigilant and frequently assess and improve your security posture to stay ahead of potential threats. With these tips in mind, you can confirm your backed-up data remains safeguarded from data leaks and cyberattacks. 


BrainStomp provides the best IT solutions to fit your needs and budget. If you need assistance or advice, our expert technicians are just a call away!

When you’re ready to step up your data security, contact us to discuss your options and get started.