Is Your Business Backup Really Working? 5 Vital Questions You Should Be Asking
By NCI Technical – IT Experts Serving Nanaimo and Beyond
When disaster strikes – whether it’s a fire, theft, ransomware, or human error – your data backups are the safety net your business cannot afford to get wrong. But too often, companies assume their systems are fine… until it’s too late.
Here are five essential questions every business should be asking about their backup protocols, along with what a trusted IT partner should be doing to help:
1. How do you know your backups are running and working?
Are you receiving automated emails or monitoring dashboards? Can you prove your backups are happening consistently?
Solution: A solid IT provider will configure automated, daily verification reports and use centralized monitoring tools so issues are caught and resolved immediately.
2. What exactly are you backing up?
Are the right files, databases, and systems included? Are temporary or obsolete files bloating your backups?
Solution: A professional audit of your environment ensures critical data is targeted, exclusions are intentional, and detailed reports confirm the right data is protected.
3. Are your backups stored offsite – securely and separately?
Local-only backups can be lost in a fire or ransomware attack. Offsite, air-gapped storage is key.
Solution: Use encrypted, cloud-based backup solutions with geographic redundancy. Your data should be recoverable even if your entire building isn’t.
4. Do you have a documented disaster recovery plan (DRP)?
Can you recover from theft, cyberattacks, or system compromise quickly? Does your team know what to do?
Solution: A layered DRP should account for various threat types, recovery timelines, and responsibilities. It’s not just about tech – it’s about business continuity.
5. When was the last time you tested your backups?
No test = no certainty. Can you restore your data quickly, and does everything come back as expected?
Solution: Regular, scheduled test restores should be part of your IT maintenance routine, with logs and reports to verify success.
At NCI Technical, we believe that backups aren’t just about storage – they’re about strategy. If you’re unsure how your systems would perform in a real crisis, it might be time to rethink your approach.
Curious if your backup systems would pass the test? Start with these five questions. Then contact us!
