Data Management: Four Backup Data Rules
Whether it’s used to restore your Web site after an attack by hackers or an assault from mother nature, a data backup plan can save valuable time in an emergency. Chris Kivlehan, marketing manager for Web hosting services provider INetU Managed Hosting offers the following tips to keep your backup plan in top shape.
* Have written policy and procedures in place. A written plan on how Web site restoration should be handled in a time of crisis will cut down on confusion and allow the process to move along more smoothly, Kivlehan says.
* Regularly test restores from your backup. This is a critical step for ensuring that your data backup actually can restore your Web site, Kivlehan states. Some complex applications might require special software agents or configurations to back up and restore properly. Make sure the test restore is successfully accomplished in a time frame that would be acceptable for a real restore. If the process takes too long, you may have to reconsider your backup strategy, he says.
* Physically protect backup data from hackers and thieves. Someone getting a hold of an unencrypted backup is just as bad as someone breaking in.
* Keep copies of software that may need to be re-installed along with your backups. Kivlehan notes that this includes operating systems, software applications and security patches for either of those.
Chris Kivlehan can be reached at chrisk@inetu.net, or via his Web site, www.inetu.net.
- People:
- Chris Kivlehan
- Matt Griffin