Why this matters
Backups are your last line of defence against ransomware, accidental deletion and hardware failure. A strategy goes beyond "we use the cloud" and makes sure you can actually get the business running again, quickly.
What you'll need
- Your IT asset register
- A list of critical data and systems
- Your current backup arrangements
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Identify critical data
List what the business needs to operate: email, files, accounting data, customer records, line-of-business databases and device configurations.
Step 2
Decide how much data you can afford to lose
If systems failed today, could you re-enter one day of work? One hour? This sets how often backups must run.
Step 3
Decide how quickly you need to recover
Work out how long the business can be offline. This determines the type of backup and restore process you need.
Step 4
Apply the 3-2-1 rule
Three copies, on two types of storage, with one offsite. Include at least one copy that is offline or immutable so ransomware cannot alter it.
Step 5
Back up Microsoft 365 too
Microsoft keeps your data available, but its recycle bins and retention are not a full backup. A third-party Microsoft 365 backup protects against long-term deletion and ransomware.
Step 6
Monitor and test
Check backup reports for failures and test a restore at least every quarter.
Step 7
Document the restore process
Write down where backups are, who can restore them and the order systems should come back online.
Summary
A documented, tested backup strategy turns a potential business-ending event into a manageable recovery.
Still Need Help?
Some IT problems are easier to solve with a professional. If you've followed the guide and still need help, the Omnicron team can assist.