Protect Your Data With An Updated Backup Process

There are many ways to keep your computer network safe. One way is to stay up-to-date with your current backup process. A backup process is described as the copying and archiving of information or computer data. This way an individual or company can safeguard against a system crash or unexpected event that might result in data loss. A typical backup process incorporates two processes; the actual copying of data on a schedule and recovering of stored data on demand.

Businesses back up essential data to protect against attacks or accidents and to ensure operational continuity in case of a system crash or breach. Companies that handle sensitive data have to be prepared for the worst cases of data corruption, malicious cyber attacks, hardware failure, user error, and any other incident that might lead to loss or corruption of data.

By implementing a backup and disaster recovery plan, organizations can ensure that their data is safe on and offsite in case of an emergency or simply file recovery. If an unprecedented situation causes loss of data to the company server, then copies of this data can be accessed immediately through the secure network – therefore guaranteeing security and continuity of business operations.

What type of data should you backup?

Keeping in mind that a normal backup process stores at least one copy of data, the total data storage requirements for a single process can be significant. Premium data backup services take different approaches to run a backup including complex repository models to organize and maintain the backup process. Data storage devices are also used to set up reliable backups that offer geographic redundancy, portability, and enhanced security.

A normal backup process is used to secure any essential database or relevant line-of-business application, and the process works through a set of pre-defined standards that include the frequency of data backup.

To determine how often data should be backed up, a number of factors are considered including the nature of data being stored , the client’s needs , and best practices.

Typically, a secure backup process is initiated during off-peak hours, organizations are encouraged to supplement the regular backup with separate processes that store new data or data that has been created since the last full backup. Frequency can range from daily to hourly backup, based on the business’ policies.

Types of Backup Processes

Data storage methods vary widely based on the needs of the organization and the technology set up for such processes. A local backup system involves copying data onto an external hard drive. Other forms of backup include backup disaster recovery servers or cloud storage – this data is normally housed in-or-near the data center. Data can be accessed remotely through a secure connection.

Local backup: This has a few benefits including the ability to set up your own firewall, and data access is considerably faster. Also, the owner has more control over who can access the data. In addition, they can set the provisions for accessing, copying, and updating the data.

Offsite backup : In an offsite backup system, data is transmitted to a remote location (this may be an offsite data center) through a secure channel. This offers high security provided the data center uses its own advanced methods to protect and backup stored data.

 

Modern data backup usually involves online storage which is divided into three main categories:

Private cloud storage or internal cloud storage: Data is stored on company servers (on-premise servers and backup Disaster Recovery facilities).

Public cloud storage : Clients are charged a fee to access premium storage services. Charges are determined by the amount of storage space used.

Hybrid cloud storage: This system takes advantage of both local and off-site storage. It is normally used by organizations to archive data for long-term storage. Local storage allows the owners quick access to crucial data.

 

Storage Limitations

All forms of storage have some form of limitation. When choosing a backup system, it’s important to measure the right storage capacity with your long-term needs and find a reliable backup source.

 

There are good reasons to update your backup process. The main benefits include:

Improved security: Updating your backup system means upgrading your network. Your whole IT network can benefit from implementing higher security protocols.

Enhanced efficiency: With automated systems, data storage and access will be more efficient, which will enhance operations.

Reduced labor: Automatic backup takes the pressure off of having to manually backup and store data.

Easy set up: It takes only a short amount of time to set up a secure and reliable backup system.

Ensuring that your backup processes are up-to-date is critical to business data security. The key to preventing data loss is to use simple and practical solutions to regularly backup your data. At SDTEK, we can provide support for keeping your backup process and/or disaster recovery plan up-to-date. Please reach out to one of our team members for assistance by clicking here.

 

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.