Backups that fail
Software and systemsComes in through: Backups
The backups you thought you had don't work
Making copies isn't enough: they have to be complete, kept separate from your computers and tested to confirm they can be restored. Many companies discover they fail on the day they need them.
Threat mapHow it happens
- 1
The oversight
The backup was set up years ago and nobody checks whether it still works or what it includes.
- 2
The problem
Ransomware, a deletion or a hardware failure hits the files and the backup connected to them.
- 3
The surprise
When you try to restore, the backup is incomplete, encrypted or too old.
How to spot it
- Nobody has ever tried restoring a backup
- The backup sits on a drive that's always connected to the computer
- You don't know what it includes or how often it runs
- Cloud data is assumed to be backed up without checking
How to protect yourself
- Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two media, one off-site
- Keep at least one isolated or unchangeable copy
- Test restores regularly
- Include email and cloud apps
If it has already happened
Don't overwrite anything: separate whatever backups are left and get help before restoring, so you don't also lose what can still be recovered.
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