The cloud has your back: What you need to know about backing up files on the cloud

For business continuity and disaster recovery, keeping records off-site and somewhere safe, yet accessible, is key. That’s why a lot of companies are moving to the cloud. Cloud computing can be a secure and cost-effective way to store data, but it’s not without risk. If you’re considering switching to cloud-based backup, make sure the cloud provider you choose meets your security standards.

Infrastructure

Security is a major issue when it comes to cloud computing. You should be careful about putting trust in the cloud.  When choosing a cloud provider, make sure they have enough data centers to protect your information through infrastructure redundancy. Check where their data centers are located to ensure they are geographically diverse in case of natural disasters.

Business continuity and disaster recovery

Ask your cloud provider about their business continuity and disaster recovery plans that clearly outline how they will handle a number of issues. Make sure they meet your requirements for data protection. You may not be responsible for carrying out those plans, but you need to take responsibility for making sure your provider is prepared to do so.

Encryption standards

Data is transferred to the cloud via the internet, so proper encryption is vital. Ensure that your cloud provider is using the strongest encryption system possible to keep you from losing data in-transit.

Who else and how long?

When investigating cloud providers, don’t forget to look into how long they’ve been in business and if they’ve had security issues in the past. It is also a good idea to consider who else is using their service. Are they experienced dealing with businesses of your size and with similar needs? Make sure they understand your industry standards and expectations.

There are advantages and risks to using cloud based backup systems, and it’s up to your organization to investigate the options and find a provider that meets your specific needs. Once you’ve done your homework, write up a strong service level agreement.

The cloud has your back, make sure it’s the right backup for your business.