
The Importance of Data Backup
In 2024, most of our data is digitally stored, and so it should be. Storing data digitally ensures that it can be encrypted, password protected and backed up, not just for GDPR compliance, but for peace of mind also, however losing this data is an ever approaching risk. The loss of critical data can lead to significant business disruption, financial loss and reputation damage, and so backup solutions are essential to safeguard against these risks. This case study will highlight the important role that our secondary backup system played in retrieving our customer’s data from 6 months ago.
Facing Data Loss
Our client (a mid-sized law firm) relies heavily on digital data for their daily operations. They handle sensitive client information, legal documents and evidence for court. One morning, a member of staff was looking for a client folder that had last been looked at 6 months ago. The case had been reopened and their client needed their help. The folder was nowhere to be found and all they knew was that it was last seen 6 months prior. Initial panic then set in for the law firm and they started to think about how they were going to break the news.
How Our Second Backup Came To The Rescue
Fortunately, the firm had partnered with us 18 months ago and chose to backup their data, which included a secondary backup located off-site at our data center. Shaken, they called us, and we assured them that we would be able to retrieve this file for them. It had turned out that the file was accidentally deleted whilst a member of staff was clearing out and sorting their digital files on Microsoft SharePoint. Microsoft has some of its own built-in backup features, but it will only store deleted data for 30 days after deletion, and ultimately, you are responsible for your data.
Steps Taken - Restoring The Backup
Initial Assessment: Our engineers assessed how much data roughly was in the file, when it was last seen, and who had access to it.
Data Recall: With the customer’s help, we went back in time and looked for the folder around the date it was last seen…and then, it was found!
Securing The Customer’s Data Future: Using our secondary backup, we began the restoration process.
Verification: Once the data had been restored, we conducted checks to make sure that data integrity was intact and confirmed that all restored files were fully operational.
Lessons Learnt - Enhancing Backup Strategies
This incident highlighted the key reasons why backup is crucial.
Extra Protection is Key: Having multiple layers of backup is essential to provide a safety net when primary backups fail.
Regular Testing: Periodic testing and validation of backup systems ensures functionality in an emergency.
Clear Communication: Clear communication and trust between us and our customers ensures quick and effective restoration and business continuity.
Why Backups Are Essential
This case study demonstrates the crucial importance of data backups . Our secondary off-site backup not only saved our customer, but also demonstrated the importance of long term back ups (6 months plus). Invest in your data, invest in your data, invest in your reputation.
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