Tag Archives: data backup

Backup Disaster Recovery and Dealing with Computer Viruses

Anti-virus, Data Backup, ,
20161118

A backup disaster recovery plan can ensure that, if you’re affected by a computer virus, your information will remain safe.

When you’re in the workplace, you always need to have a plan for combating viruses. Hackers are becoming tricker in their tactics, and it’s imperative that you’re outwitting them. In fact, viruses and other malicious software, should always be a cause for concern in the workplace. While it’s true that those aren’t the only disasters which may occur, they certainly leave the most lasting impact. For example, let’s say there was an unexpected power failure, or liquid spilled onto your keyboard. While these are damaging, at worst, you might simply lose any unsaved files.

With computer viruses however, some of these erase all the data on your hard drive, and make your device completely inaccessible. What is the best way to deal with these attacks? First of all, you need to have a disaster recovery plan. That way, even if your device does become infected, all your files are easily recoverable. However, just because you have a backup disaster recovery plan, that doesn’t mean you should seek out computer viruses, or be laid back about your security. We’ll get back to this discussion, but in the meantime, let’s look at the best way to actually combat these attacks from cybercriminals. After all, a recovery action plan is one thing, but you want to deal with these threats directly as well.

Anti-Virus Software

Even the most inexperienced businesses know that anti-virus software is the most common way to deal with…well, viruses. Whether you’re using McAfee or Kasperky Security, network protection is great for preventing your computer from getting infected. Without security on your computer, the Internet is a dangerous minefield. One wrong move, and you could be taken out.

However, having anti-virus software for your company isn’t enough; you need to have the right security as well. For example, have you installed the most recent software available, or have you been using the same program for years? Many hackers look for security holes and vulnerabilities in outdated software. If you’re not using the latest anti-virus software, for example, it might be easier for them to attack you.

One thing that makes these programs great isn’t just the network protection, but it secures you while you’re on the Internet as well. Many programs now have safe features which block malicious pop-ups on websites, and even warns you of sites that are dangerous. If you make a careless mistake and go to the wrong site, for example, you’ll be prevented from going any further. Overall, anti-virus software is one of the most important and basic tools for protecting your business.

Now that we’ve discussed the basics for protecting your business, let’s get back to having a disaster recovery plan. It may not combat viruses directly, but how is it effective when your business is under attack?

The Effectiveness of a Backup Disaster Recovery Plan

First of all, it’s effective because it makes the cybercriminal’s attack, completely ineffective. They lose all sense of power, and no longer accomplish their goal. In fact, let’s look at it this way. Let’s say you had multiple backup methods, storing your data via a flash and cloud computing. If a hacker infected your computer with a virus that erased the files on your hard drive, you’d have nothing to lose. You might need a new computer, and you’d still have to get the virus off, but your data is safe and sound. All files are still stored on your portable device, and even accessible via cloud (the Internet).

Overall, you can’t have one without the other. Combating viruses directly is important, but what if you need to recover your data, and don’t have a recovery plan? On the other hand, don’t completely rely on a backup plan, without having programs to combat these viruses, either.

For more information about the importance of having a backup disaster recovery plan, especially when dealing with malicious software, feel free to contact us today at SystemsNet. We look forward to hearing from you, and assisting you in the best way possible.

Backup Disaster Recovery: Types of Disasters in the Workplace

Data Backup, ,
20160804

Losing your data can easily become a disaster in the workplace if proper precautions aren’t taken.

When you’re working in a business, one of the most important things to remember is managing your data. Whether you’re trying to keep it organized, or are deciding which files to delete, keeping your info secure is important. After all, you never know what could happen in the workplace. If anything, some of the most common disasters are completely unpredictable.

With that said, having a disaster recovery plan for your data is important. However, you need to be aware of some of the common disasters that can happen in a workplace as well. Sometimes these incidents are beyond your control, but other times, it’s entirely your fault. Overall, here are some of the causes for disasters that can happen in the workplace.

#1. Natural Disasters

One of the most common reasons businesses experience tragedy, is because of natural disasters. Sometimes, it’s a relatively small incident such as power outage. Occasionally, though, it’s downright devastating, such as a tornado or a hurricane. Not only do you experience a loss of data, but the workplace is destroyed as well. However, the worst part about the latter, is that essentially, it’s beyond your control. That’s not to say you can’t backup your information and prevent a loss of data, but the weather event itself can’t be avoided. With that said, you need to make sure you have a disaster recovery plan for any instance, big or small.

When dealing with a power outage, for example, make sure to have your information stored on a flash drive. That way, you still have all your data accessible even if an incident were to occur. Unlike weather related incidents, which you may know about even days ahead of time, power outages can happen in the blink of an eye. As for natural disasters, not only should your data be stored as well, but you should also have numerous buildings set up as part of your company. That way, it’s easy to transfer your data and continue on with your work.

#2. Careless Mistakes

As I had mentioned earlier, some incidents are beyond your control, while others are entirely your fault. It’s funny how many disasters in the workplace could be avoided if people just used some common sense (myself included). Sometimes, a disaster might befall your business because of the employees. For example, they may be uneducated on the importance of keeping your business data secure. Not to mention they might be unaware of the tips and tricks hackers use to compromise sensitive information. With that said, it would be easy for them to fall into a cybercriminal’s trap.

Let’s say one of your unsuspecting employees visited a website, and entered some personal information. Next thing you know, their business computer is infected, and they are unable to access their files. Other times, though, a disaster may be due to carelessly deleting files. You may end up discarding sensitive data that you thought wasn’t needed anymore. Always double-check to see if what you’re about to delete, will have any value in the future.

#3. Outdated Hardware

Another common disaster in the workplace, relates to outdated hardware. This is especially true if you own a personal laptop. Some business owners are relatively laid back about storing their data, as they feel their personal computer has a relatively long lifespan. However, that’s what many developers want you to think. Nowadays, to reduce the costs of developing a product, many devices are built with cheap hardware, laptops included. Not only does this shorten the lifespan of your computer, but it’s no coincidence that many laptops start experiencing problems shortly after the warranty expires. With that said, you want to have your data backed up at all times. There’s nothing more devastating than an unexpected crash causing you to lose all your data. Especially when you know you could have done something to prevent it.

For more information about backup disaster recovery, as well as common disasters that can befall a business, contact us today at SystemsNet. We look forward to hearing from you.

Four Ways To Prepare for a Windows 10 Migration

Manage Service, , , , ,
20160609

Backing up your data will make sure it stays safe during the migration.

A recent article from Business Insider takes a sharp tone in its title when it urges people to “stop waffling and install Windows 10 on your computers already.”

It’s understandable why companies may show some reluctance to migrate to Windows 10. People don’t always trust Microsoft and its promises, and sometimes they’re turned away by the computer giant’s aggressive marketing tactics. People may prefer an older system they’re accustomed to and the programs compatible with it. And they may also have legitimate concerns about new problems they’ll have to deal with after migrating.

Making your Windows 10 migration easier

Maybe one of your main concerns about the new operating system is the migration process itself.

To make a Windows 10 migration go more smoothly, it’s important to take the right steps to prepare. Without proper preparation, you’re more likely to encounter frustrating and perhaps devastating problems.

The following are four major ways to get ready for your Windows 10 migration:

  1. Evaluate your device and consider if it’s ready for Windows 10. Depending on the device you’re using, Windows 10 may put a strain on it. Look into whether your device can accommodate the new operating system. (Here’s a link to Microsoft’s specifications for Windows 10.) Inspect the health of your device as well; perform a disk check, and scan your device for malware.
  2. Review the contents of your device. Look into whether you have software that may not work well with Windows 10. And if you have any software on your device that you never use, feel free to delete it and create more space on your device. Do the same for any files you no longer need. (As long as you’re sure you’re not accidentally deleting something you really do need). Check that peripheral devices and hardware, such as your printer, will have compatible drivers with Windows 10. If you understand the content of your computer and work to organize it and clean it up, you’re less likely to experience unpleasant surprises after migrating to Windows 10.
  3. Back up your device. Never migrate to a new operating system without first backing up all of your data. Check that your backups are complete and that you really have copies of everything. Even if your Windows 10 migration goes smoothly, there’s still some danger of permanent data loss.
  4. Make sure you have all of your software license and password information. While many programs should make a smooth transition to Windows 10, it’s best to have copies of certain information readily available, such as software license keys and passwords. Maybe you’ll need to reinstall something or regain access to one of your accounts.

After installation, there are various settings you can check and configure to make the operating system more convenient for you, such as when to schedule updates that restart your device. The more carefully you prepare in advance, the fewer adjustments you’ll likely need to make once the migration is complete. But regardless of whether you think the migration went well, it’s important to go through your device and check that everything is working as you expect.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with migrating to Windows 10. Although people’s lingering concerns about the new operating system have some weight, it’s important to consider the advantages you’ll get once you migrate to it. Many companies are opting for Windows 10 because of its powerful security, its strong performance across computing devices, its user-friendliness, and its array of helpful, high-quality programs such as Cortana. Windows 10 users will also benefit from future tweaks and updates, along with support for compatible Microsoft programs. (In the next few years Microsoft will withdraw support from older operating systems.)

We can help you ensure that the migration process goes smoothly and that your operating system and its programs are set up in an optimal way for your business.

Where Do I Put All of These Backups?

Data Backup, ,
No data is safe unless it exists in at least two different places, but should really be in three or four to be totally secure. But where should you store your data?

No data is safe unless it exists in at least two different places, but should really be in three or four to be totally secure. But where should you store your data?

Data Backup is one of the most important things a company can do with its data.  No data is safe unless it exists in at least two different places, and even then, it should really be in three or four places, especially if it’s more important than the janitor’s daily to-do list.  Data backup can get a little complicated though, because there are a number of different options, and it’s important to make use of at least a couple of them.  Here are a few of the options.

 

Local NAS Device

Most office networks run off of servers.  They’re what keeps everything connected and functioning.  They might run software the office uses, as well as several other tasks.  Often, these servers have large amounts of hard drive space.  This might be a great place to put a copy of all your important files, however, there is a better option.  NAS stands for network-attached storage.  A NAS device is a server, but it’s a server that’s been specifically built to store files.  It’s not meant to do anything else, like run programs or process data, but since it specializes in storing data, it’s a very efficient option.

Business Continuity Device

Business continuity is a concept that can save a company in a disaster, however, it must be planned before hand.  If a disaster were to strike, for example, destroying data or rendering it inaccessible, a business continuity plan, and the software and hardware that goes with it, can immediately begin functioning, which will allow the company to continue running while steps to complete recovery are taken.

Cloud Storage

The cloud is a surprisingly safe place to store important data.  Once you make sure you’re working with a trustworthy company, your data will usually be at least as secure as the data on your own servers.  And since data on the cloud is stored all over the country, this solves the “off-site copy” requirement of data safety.  It can also be a surprisingly inexpensive option.

Need some help backing up your data?  Contact us!  We can help you with data backup and other business technology and networking challenges.  We’re here for you.