Data is the backbone of almost every operation. From customer information to financial records, businesses rely heavily on digital data to run their operations smoothly. But what happens when that data is lost or compromised? The consequences can be catastrophic. For businesses of all sizes, data loss isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a nightmare that can halt operations, harm reputations, and even lead to legal consequences. However, businesses can avoid this nightmare by implementing effective backup systems, frameworks, and encryption protocols. In this episode, Chris Marshall, CEO of Verified Backups LLC, shares his expertise in protecting businesses from data loss. With years of experience in the tech industry, Chris emphasizes the importance of setting up solid data protection routines, frameworks, and meeting necessary regulatory requirements.
The Importance of Backups: Why You Need a Second Line of Defense
Chris Marshall starts with a simple but crucial message: you don’t know if a backup is recoverable unless you test it. It’s easy to assume that your data is safe because you’re doing backups regularly, but what happens if the backup fails? Many businesses make the mistake of thinking their backups are infallible, only to find out when disaster strikes that their backup was either corrupted or incomplete.
The Numbers Are Alarming: According to a study by Veeam Software, 58% of backups fail, leaving businesses vulnerable when they need their data the most. Unfortunately, most companies don’t realize the issue until it’s too late. The implications of a failed backup can be dire, especially if it results in a complete loss of critical business data. Without a reliable backup strategy in place, the risk of operational paralysis becomes a real threat. Chris stresses the need for businesses to adopt a second line of defense for their backups. By ensuring that backups are not only conducted regularly but also thoroughly tested for recovery, businesses can avoid the panic and chaos that comes with data loss.
Frameworks: Building a Solid Foundation for Data Protection
Backups are only effective if they are part of a comprehensive data protection framework. Chris Marshall advocates for following a framework like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or similar industry standards to ensure that backups, security, and recovery protocols are aligned with best practices.
The 3-2-1 Rule is a foundational principle in backup strategies. This rule emphasizes the need for businesses to have:
- Three copies of their data
- Stored on two different types of media (e.g., local hard drive and cloud)
- One copy kept off-site for disaster recovery
Following frameworks like these ensures that businesses not only back up their data regularly but also store it in a way that reduces the risk of data loss. Frameworks also help businesses meet regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, which mandates specific standards for handling sensitive data.
Encryption: The Key to Securing Sensitive Data
Encryption is an essential aspect of data security, ensuring that sensitive data is protected both in transit and at rest. Chris emphasizes the need for encryption to meet regulatory compliance, particularly for industries such as healthcare, finance, and government contracting, where data security is paramount. Businesses often overlook the importance of encryption when backing up their data. Chris explains that while many organizations focus on backup frequency and storage solutions, encryption is the critical layer that protects the integrity of that data. Encrypting backups ensures that, even if cybercriminals access the data, they cannot easily decipher it or use it maliciously.
Beyond basic encryption, businesses should also implement strong encryption standards that meet or exceed the requirements of frameworks like NIST 800-171, which sets guidelines for data security in federal contracting. Regular encryption audits are necessary to ensure that your data protection measures stay up to date and compliant with evolving regulations.
Avoiding Common Backup Mistakes
Chris shares some common mistakes businesses make when it comes to backups:
- Not testing backups: Many companies assume that their backups are working, but without regular testing, they won’t know until it’s too late. Chris recommends that businesses restore backups at least quarterly to ensure everything is recoverable.
- Relying on outdated systems: While traditional backup methods, like tape backups, were once popular, they no longer meet modern needs. Chris points out that these methods can often fail and are more prone to physical damage. Cloud-based backups and disaster recovery solutions are more reliable and flexible for today’s businesses.
- Ignoring backup security: Backups are only useful if they are secure. Many businesses fail to encrypt their backups or implement strong access control mechanisms. This leaves them open to data breaches and ransomware attacks.
- Underestimating the importance of off-site backups: Local backups are convenient but can be compromised by physical disasters such as fires, floods, or theft. Storing backups in a secure off-site location or using cloud-based solutions mitigates these risks.
The Bottom Line: Protecting Your Business with Routine, Frameworks, and Encryption
The potential for data loss and the risks associated with it are undeniable. Chris Marshall’s advice is clear: businesses need to treat data protection with the same seriousness as they do other operational tasks. Implementing regular backups, adhering to recognized frameworks, and encrypting data are foundational steps in safeguarding your business from data loss. But it doesn’t stop there. Businesses should continuously evaluate their data protection strategies, stay informed about regulatory changes, and ensure their backup systems are regularly tested and maintained. As Chris points out, it’s not about if your backup will save you, but when.
For business owners, this proactive approach can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a devastating loss. By establishing strong routines, following trusted frameworks, and prioritizing encryption, companies can avoid the nightmare of data loss and ensure business continuity in the face of unforeseen challenges.
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Important Links
- Verified Backups LLC
- Veeam Software
- Robin Robins
- 12 Week Year
- Atomic Habits
- LinkedIn – Chris Marshall
About Chris Marshall
After nearly 28 years of creating data warehouses, custom reports, and user automation, I started Verified Backups LLC to bring peace of mind to CEOs and company owners. We have developed PATENT-PENDING technology to test each and every database backup to ensure it’s usable and current. We help companies recover when disaster strikes.
He loves outdoor activities, especially running and hiking. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with his son last September, an incredible adventure for us. He loves traveling and has taken some of his kids to places like Iceland, Europe, Egypt, and Africa. He has had a programming business for 30 years helping companies automate their workflow and get the right reports more easily. In this role, he served companies of all sizes from SMBs to Boeing and Dollar General. He is very happily married with 5 adult children and a 9-year-old grandson.
