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In the age of big data and technology, every business that wants to succeed appreciates that data is an asset. However, while technological innovations have made it possible to collect and store lots of data to advance company goals, it has also come with increased risks. A breach of data or disasters like fire and floods can adversely affect business operations and jeopardize your company’s continuity.
Fortunately, you can protect your data and get the best out of it by implementing sound data storage measures. Here are a few tips you can use when storing data to help you safeguard your business.
1. Get Rid of Irrelevant Data
Storing data can become expensive when you have lots of redundant and irrelevant data occupying space. As a small business, you should maximize your resources and ensure you only keep what’s relevant and necessary for helping you achieve your business goals.
Avoid storing data from years ago that no longer serve any purpose. Instead, remove duplicated data and information with numerous versions to save on space and costs. If you are unsure about what you should keep and what to let go of, data retention professional can help review your current data and advice appropriately.
2. Prioritize Data Security
Unlike more established businesses that can easily bounce back from a data security mishap, small businesses can collapse in case of data breaches or disaster. Hackers and other cybercriminals also target small businesses due to the assumption that they handle less data and therefore do not have strict measures to secure it.
Prioritize data security by backing up your business data regularly. Doing so ensures that no information is lost when the inevitable happens. You can also get back to normal business operations within no time. Besides backing up your data regularly, utilize firewalls and antivirus software, and update your malware for data protection.
3. Get the Right Data Storage for Your Business
The appropriate data storage solution for your small business can make all the difference in data management and security. Although numerous solutions exist, not every option is suitable for your business. Speak to various data storage vendors and assess the features and benefits to establish whether they align with your business needs.
Consider factors like scalability, price, security, and speed when comparing your options. Also, ensure your cloud storage can handle your data capacity if you deal with large amounts of data. Remember to ask providers about maintenance and troubleshooting as you may need them in the future.
4. Allow Remote Access
Most businesses focus more on storing data and securing it without considering its accessibility. When creating a data storage and management strategy, ensure your employees can access the data remotely. In case of disasters that make it difficult to work from the office, the employees can still carry out their tasks remotely. You can utilize remote access software to connect to desktop information and networked servers outside the company’s premises.
5. Research and Comply with Data Regulations
Familiarize yourself with data protection laws and regulations specific to your industry and comply with them. Doing so protects you from fines and penalties that you may incur due to non-compliance. Some of the rules you may have to abide by are the type of information you can collect and retain and the length of time you can keep it.
Find out specific regulations for your industry so you can implement data storage and management solutions that fit your business. By utilizing industry-specific solutions when storing data, you reduce your risks and increase your chances of gathering valuable information for your business.
The data breaches and disasters not only put your business at a standstill but also taints your company’s image and exposes you to costly lawsuits. With the above tips, you can protect your business’s sensitive information, ensure optimal use of data, and ensure your business bounces back fast in case of data breaches or disasters.
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