Small business owners are being advised to take precautions when it comes to backing up their data. With the rise of cyber attacks and data breaches, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable backup system in place. One affordable and easy-to-use option is an external hard drive.
Compared to tape drive systems, external hard drives are much more cost-effective. Plus, they’re simple to use – just plug the hard drive into the USB port of your computer and you’re good to go. But what if you want a more comprehensive backup solution?
There are several options available, including Acronis Cyber Backup software, which offers a cloud version called Acronis Cyber Protect. Other popular choices include MSP360, NAKIVO, Veeam, and Unitrends. Altaro VM is a great option for backing up virtual machines.
Of course, cost is always a consideration. Acronis Cyber Backup starts at $69.95 and charges $99 per year for each feature. While there isn’t a free version available, it is possible to test the software for free. For more comprehensive backup solutions, organizations can expect to pay between $2 and $4 per GB per month. For lower-level data backup, the average cost is closer to $1 per GB per month.
If you’re looking for a backup server, virtualization in a datacenter is a great option. A comprehensive, managed solution typically starts at $500, plus $2 to $3 per gigabyte per month in addition.
But what if you need to backup large amounts of data? While USB sticks are small and convenient, they can be easily lost or stolen. External hard drives are a better option for larger amounts of data. Network attached storage is another option, as is cloud storage. If you’re interested in learning more about cloud storage, there are several options available including Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, and pCloud.
One affordable cloud storage option is Backblaze, which costs just $9 per month. But how can they offer such a low price? According to the company, most users only backup a small amount of data.
When it comes to data security, it’s important to choose a backup solution that prioritizes encryption and privacy. Polycloud offers state-of-the-art encryption and a distributed network, making it difficult for malicious attackers to access your data. Acronis Cyber Cloud Storage also offers government-approved AES-256 encryption and Tier-IV-designed and SSAE-18-compliant data centers.
So, is it mandatory for businesses to backup their data? While there’s no legal requirement, any business that maintains data on its computer that it does not want to lose should consider data backups. Business backups are even more important because they must maintain so many records.
But how often should a small business backup its data? Experts recommend backing up important data at least once a week, but preferably once every twenty-four hours. These backups can either be manually or automatically performed.
Ultimately, the best backup solution for your small business will depend on your specific needs and budget. But with so many affordable and reliable options available, there’s no excuse not to have a backup system in place.