When it comes to protecting your business, few things are more important than reliable data backups. Yet, according to recent findings from Avast, 60% of backups fail to complete successfully, and half of all recovery attempts don’t work. That’s a serious problem—especially when the average cost of downtime is over $84,000 per hour.
As a managed service provider (MSP), we’ve seen how devastating data loss can be. Whether it’s a cyberattack, accidental deletion, or natural disaster, your ability to bounce back depends on one thing: whether your backup works when you need it most.
Why Backups Fail
Here are the most common reasons we see backups fall short:
- Unreliable Backup Tools: Free or budget solutions often lack the features and dependability businesses need. They might look good on paper, but they can leave you exposed when it matters most.
- Poor Timing: Backups scheduled during peak business hours can miss critical data changes, resulting in incomplete snapshots.
- Compatibility Issues: As your systems evolve, your backup solution needs to keep up. If it doesn’t, you may end up with data that can’t be restored properly.
- Human Error: Misconfigured settings, skipped schedules, or accidental deletions can all lead to failed backups.
And if your backup fails during a ransomware attack or compliance audit? You could be facing permanent data loss, legal trouble, or serious damage to your reputation.
How to Make Sure Your Backups Actually Work
Here’s what we recommend to every client to ensure their data is protected:
- Choose the Right Backup Solution
Not all backup tools are created equal. Look for features like immutable backups (which can’t be altered or deleted—even by ransomware), fast recovery times, and hybrid storage (cloud + local). If you’re in a regulated industry like healthcare or finance, make sure your solution meets all compliance requirements.
- Follow the 3-2-1 Rule
Keep 3 copies of your data, stored on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy off-site. This simple rule dramatically reduces your risk of total data loss.
- Monitor Backups Daily
Someone—whether it’s your internal IT team or your MSP—should be reviewing backup reports every day. If something fails, it needs to be addressed immediately. Even if you’re not hands-on, ask for a weekly or monthly summary so you can stay informed.
- Test Your Restores
Backups are only useful if you can actually restore them. Run test restores every few months to make sure everything works as expected. Think of it like a fire drill for your data.
Final Thoughts
Backups aren’t just an IT checkbox—they’re your safety net. And when disaster strikes, they might be the only thing standing between your business and a major loss.
If you’re not 100% confident in your current backup setup, now’s the time to take a closer look. Talk to your IT provider, ask tough questions, and make sure your strategy is solid.
Need help reviewing your backup plan? Contact Us Today we’re here to make sure your business is protected, no matter what comes your way.