Data loss can have wide-reaching consequences for you and your business. Establishing a set of preventative measures ahead of time can prevent you from suffering the economic consequences associated with a data breach. There are a number of steps you can take to prevent a minor or major data loss from occurring across your devices. Read on to find out how to safeguard your content and save yourself valuable time and money in the process.
Back up your files
One of the first steps you should take to prevent data loss is to back up your files on a regular basis. Prevention is the key to avoiding the costly and time-consuming services of a professional data recovery specialist. You can back your files up on an external physical hard drive or on a cloud-based storage platform. By creating duplicate copies in several different locations, you can relax knowing you are covered in the event of a targeted data breach. You must verify your data has not been breached or corrupted at regular intervals to ensure your files remain up-to-date and relevant when disaster strikes.
Install antivirus software
Antivirus software is a computer program designed to detect and remove any underlying viruses or malicious software lurking in your device. This can corrupt your files and lead to major data loss if left undetected and untreated for a prolonged period of time. Firewall solutions can also protect you against any unwanted and untrusted networks attempting to access your data. They must be designed to cope with the security requirements of your business and be adjusted as necessary as your brand continues to grow or scale back. They must also be updated and inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are performing at full functionality and safeguarding your data from potential threats. If the worst does happen, there are steps you can take to try to retrieve your files, even if you have already emptied your trash folder. A quick online search at https://setapp.com/how-to/how-to-recover-deleted-files-after-emptying-trash can provide you with all of the tools and advice needed to give you the best possible chance at file recovery.
Maintain your computer
Simple human error can be at fault for a growing number of blunders that lead to data loss. By regularly dusting and wiping your computer monitor and CPU, you can prevent the build-up of dirt and dust. You must also ensure your computer is kept in a dry room with sufficient airflow. Overheating and humidity can cause your device to rust and break down over time. This can affect its ability to carry out its normal daily functions and speed up the deterioration process. A quick wipe or dust once a day is all it takes to keep your computer safe, dry, and dust-free. The exterior is just as important as the interior when it comes to maintaining your devices and protecting them from data loss.
Hire an IT security company
While most of these tips can be implemented with a simple quick fix, you may benefit from hiring the knowledge and expertise of a professional IT security company. A team of experts with decades of experience in the field of cybersecurity will be able to pinpoint exactly where you are going wrong and which areas you can improve. By establishing the best possible security strategy for your business, you can implement a formidable boundary against any internal or external data threats. IT security companies can also provide audit risks, penetration testing, network management, cloud management, and security compliance. This can protect your business against a wide range of potential dangers materialising as a result of a cybersecurity breach such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and hackers. Shop around to find an IT security company that suits the needs and requirements of you and your business.
Ensure your power supply is uninterruptable
Power outages are one of the most common causes of data loss. Whilst they may occur somewhat randomly and sporadically, there are a number of steps you can take to safeguard your data in the event of a power surge. As well as causing inconvenience to you and others around you, they can wreak havoc on your computing system. To prevent your files from being lost forever, you must install an interruptible power supply. This is the only defence against power outages and can save your files as well as your computer if your mains supply has been cut off at the source. If a power outage has been detected, you must save the documents you are working on and shut down your computer as soon as possible. This can protect your files and prevent any long-lasting damage.
Encrypt sensitive data
Even if your data has been backed up, this does not necessarily mean it has been encrypted. Encryption is the process of converting data from a readable format into an encoded format that can only be accessed by a user with a specialised encryption key. Investing in an external recovery system that not only backs up your files but encrypts them at the same time can provide an extra layer of safety and security for you and your data. Even those that have uncovered your files will be unable to access their contents without permission. Encrypted data appears undecipherable and unreadable to those without the right access key. Encrypted data is vulnerable to hackers. Whilst it provides a solid level of protection, some users attempt to access encrypted data by trying random combinations of keys until the right one is found. The strength of your encryption depends on a combination of key size and the number of layers.
Data loss can have a devastating impact on the future of your small business or organisation. Whether you have forgotten to back up your files or have fallen victim to a targeted data breach, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again. By following these handy tips, you can safeguard your data from external threats and streamline your working practices today.