Is Your Data Fully Protected with the Cloud or DIY Storage?

Corodata TeamNov. 26, 2013 | Data Protection |
The cloud seems like such an easy solution for media storage and backup. But reliable business continuity planning advises dual back-up storage, for both digital and physical media.

Why? Full bare-metal restores of wiped out servers just can’t be done effectively over the web, regardless of pipe size – which is why cloud providers all have a physical drive “seeding” program. With local physical storage, you can have a full back up delivered in a matter of hours. And it’s completely affordable. Sure, you say, you’re already storing and rotating your data yourselves. You’ve got a DIY method that works just fine for the size and needs of your business. But does it really work? If you can’t answer “yes” to all of the following questions, you may be putting your firm’s security at risk.

  • Do you back up your files daily?
  • Do you put your media in a vault?
  • Do you have a non-water fire suppression system in your office?
  • Do you have a regular schedule for media rotation?
  • Do you have a back-up for your in-house method?
Your DIY methods could fail you for any number of reasons. Your designated staff person unexpectedly resigns. The briefcase containing your back-up media is stolen. The upstairs bathroom floods over the weekend. Regulators make a surprise visit and you can’t supply an independent audit trail, oops.

TIP: When shopping for a media-storage vendor, look for one that’s SSAE18 Audited – the authoritative standard for service organizations. It should also undergo an annual, independent HIPAA audit to ensure compliance.

The secret to successful data protection? Having it in place before you need it. Don’t wait for a smoking server or power surge to wipe out years of necessary files. Here’s a quick checklist of data-protection must-haves:

1.

Make your data a top priority

Hire a reliable, professional firm to collect, protect, and deliver your physical media. Then you can stop worrying about it.

2.

Use protection!

That means climate-controlled vaults with interior gas fire suppression and on-site security.

3.

Maintain a regular rotation schedule

3. Maintain a regular rotation schedule. By outsourcing your data protection, regular rotation is ensured. Everyone needs a deadline. (You’re welcome.)

4.

Employ secure vehicles

Company-owned, self-locking vehicles should be GPS-equipped so you know where your media is every minute, even after it’s left your office.

5.

Be able to prove you did the “right” thing.

In the case of a disaster, fingers will be pointing at you. If you hired a reputable organization and have proof of service, you’ll be much farther ahead than just claiming you were taking caring of it yourself. As we head into a new year, there’s no better time to get organized with your back-up media storage and rotation. Corodata’s vaults offer a cost-effective risk-reduction for data of all kinds – tapes, hard drives, servers, PCs, and plenty of other devices. To arrange worry-free, secure, climate-controlled, and fire-suppression storage, schedule a consultation with Corodata today.

Taking Control of Inactive Records with Corodata

Properly labeling and tracking inactive files, and moving them safely offsite, can save your company space, time and money; remove the threat of losing documents; providing easy retrieval of files when needed, and set your reputation as a secure company.

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