Small businesses are lacking when it comes to disaster relief plans. A
recent study by Symantec found that 57% of small businesses have no
disaster recovery plan in place.
That inaction can have serious consequences for small business
owners. Scott Moyer, director of business development at data recovery
services provider
DriveSavers, offers the following tips for small businesses to prevent data loss from a disaster.
1. Plan for the Worst
“As an entrepreneur, your files are your livelihood and without a
data recovery plan,
losing your files could mean losing your business,” Moyer said. “If
you’re prepared for the worst and making proactive decisions, you are
increasing the likelihood that your business will not only succeed, but
flourish.”
Moyer suggests business owners start by creating an emergency action plan for all data associated with your business.
“This plan includes a complete inventory of your business’
storage-based hardware,” Moyer said. “In addition, this is an excellent
time to research a data recovery vendor. By conducting this research
ahead of time, when you aren’t distressed from a data loss, you can
ensure that you’re working with a reputable, secure data recovery
vendor.”
“Some data recovery providers offer discounts if you are a member of
their business partner program,” he noted. “When researching a data
recovery vendor, it’s important to ask about that vendor’s manufacturer
authorization to open drives without voiding a warranty, security and
industry certifications to ensure data is safe while out of your
in-house secure network and recovery methods and capabilities.”
2. Always Back Up and Protect
“The best protection is prevention,” Moyer said. “Invest in redundant
backup system. Establish a structured backup procedure to make copies
of all critical data files, using software compatible with the operating
system and applications. Periodically test the backups to verify that
data, especially databases and other critical files, are being backed up
properly. Keep at least one verified copy of critical data offsite.”
In addition, Moyer says businesses must make sure to always be using
software that is up-to-date to ensure optimal protection for your
business.
“Never assume that your computer is protected from incoming viruses
because you have protection software, be sure to scan all incoming data
for corruption,” Moyer said. “By enabling your computer with backup
software and virus protection, you will drastically decrease the chances
of losing important files.”
3. Data Missing? Don’t Panic!
“Sometimes the simplest of answers can be the ultimate solution,”
Moyer said. “Before you panic, double check to ensure you haven’t
misplaced your file. Use the ‘search’ box located in ‘Start’ button on
the bottom tool bar of your computer. If your file doesn’t appear using
the search function, double check the recycle bin or trash on your
computer’s desktop.”
4. Leave It to the Professionals
“As a small business, it is important to watch every nickel and dime
and understand where priorities lie when spending money on vendors,”
Moyer said. “But when it comes to your losing your data, it’s time to
throw that do-it-yourself attitude out the window. Do not attempt
recover your data personally by using any type of diagnostic or repair
tools. Doing so may cause further damage or permanent data loss.
Remember, the first recovery attempt is the most successful. Play it
safe and send hardware to a professional.”
To ensure optimal protection, Moyer suggests businesses do their research when searching for a
data recovery vendor for disasters.
“But before you trust a data recovery service provider with your
data, do your homework and research the vendor,” Moyer said. “Cheap
services are typically that way for a reason. Make sure the data
recovery vendor is reputable by checking for proof of industry
certifications and security protocols. You do not want a data breach
that includes your critical financial data (or worse yet, your
customers’ data) stolen.”
5. Know Your Recovery ABCs
“Knowing the signs of a drive failing will help you optimize your
chances for recovery,” Moyer said. “If you are hearing clicking,
grinding or whirring sounds, shut down your computer immediately and do
not use data recovery or utility software. The use of data recovery or
utility software can potentially cause data loss. Next, unplug the power
to the computer before removing the hard drive.”
“Hard drives are extremely sensitive to static electricity and
physical jarring,” he said. “Also, do not power up a device that has
obvious physical damage or is making unusual sounds. Lastly, turn your
hardware in to the reputable data recovery provider that you have
researched in your emergency action plan.”
Read:
Mashable
