There is no overstating the importance of having a data backup plan. This remains true whether you’re trying to keep your personal information safe or run an organization that deals with sensitive customer and employee data.
The good news is that you can always have a copy of your most important files saved with regular backups. That way, if you fall victim to a data breach or another security threat, you can rest assured that your data will not be lost entirely. This gives you some much-needed peace of mind and protection.
Still, many people struggle to figure out the best way to back up their data and how often they should be doing it. While everyone’s needs and budgets are different, some general guidelines are worth keeping in mind when deciding on a backup schedule.
How Often to Back Up Your Data
When determining how often you should back up your data, one of the main things to keep in mind is how often your files change. If your data is updated or added to daily, it may be worth it to back up your files every day to ensure you don’t miss anything. On the other hand, if your data tends to get updated or changed only once a week or once a month, then you may be able to conduct less frequent backups.
In general, however, it’s good to get into the habit of backing up the data on your computer at least once a week. If you’re worried that you won’t remember to do it this often, there are plenty of automated platforms that can help.
Data backups are sometimes costly, so your budget is another thing to consider when deciding how often you want to back up your files. Just remember that it’s a lot less expensive to pay for regular backups than it is to try and recover from a massive security breach.
The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy
When backing up data, it’s also a good idea to employ what’s known as the “3-2-1” strategy. Essentially, this means that you should maintain three copies of each of your important files. You should store two on external hard drives (kept in different locations, such as a remote backup), and one should be stored in the cloud or on a dedicated server.
Let ReliableSite Help with Your Data Backup
If you’re looking for help deciding how often to back up your data or need assistance with a backup schedule, ReliableSite is here to assist you. Through our dedicated server hosting plans, we offer data backups with plenty of storage to suit your needs. Our backup servers are also RAID6-protected for your peace of mind and are constantly monitored in-house. All of this makes it easy for you to keep your essential files protected at all times.
Want to find out more about our dedicated hosting plan options and how to use a dedicated server host for data backups? Reach out to our team today!