5 questions for our expert on the topic of backup and data loss protection

Data loss is a constant risk that can pose an existential threat to businesses. We interviewed our expert at StackWorks to find out how companies can protect their data from loss. 

In this blog post, he answers five important questions about backups and data loss protection - and shows what is essential today.

1. which scenarios currently require the most urgent protection against data loss?

Data loss can have many causes - from accidental deletion to ransomware and technical failures. Scenarios such as ransomware attacks, human error and the failure of the platform on which the data is stored are particularly risky.

Daniel explains: "With ransomware, data is encrypted and can no longer be used. Regular backups, redundant systems and a clear emergency plan are very important." The human factor also harbors risks: "The accidental deletion of a file or a faulty configuration are everyday scenarios. Without suitable recovery mechanisms, these errors can have serious consequences."

2. how does Google Workspace protect the data?

Google Workspace already offers high standards in terms of security and data protection. Nevertheless, the shared responsibility model applies : Google ensures the security of the infrastructure, data centers, networks and platform services. However, responsibility for content, access policies and data management lies with the customer.

An important tool in Google Workspace is Google Vault - it enables the archiving and searching of data, for example in the event of legal inquiries. However, Daniel clarifies: "Vault is not a replacement for a full backup. It is an archiving tool that does not replace traditional backups. Companies should therefore rely on external backups here too."

"Google Workspace offers excellent protection mechanisms, but the customer is ultimately responsible for their data," says Daniel. External backups ensure that data can be restored quickly after accidental deletion, ransomware attacks or technical problems - and that the company does not suffer any losses.

3. what should I pay particular attention to when backing up Google Workspace services?

When backing up Google Workspace services, there are a few points that are often overlooked. "It is important that the backup solution covers all services, including Gmail, Google Drive, but also Shared Drives and Google Chats," explains Daniel.

Modern backup solutions should also offer granular recovery. "The ability to restore individual emails, files or permissions in Google Drive saves a lot of time and reduces the workload for IT." 

A self-service portal is also recommended so that employees can restore deleted data themselves.

4. how often should backups be performed? Are there best practices?

At least one daily backup is recommended, or several times a day depending on how business-critical the data is. "The recovery point objective (RPO) - i.e. how much data loss is tolerable - determines the frequency of backups," he explains.

For particularly sensitive data, it can make sense to perform up to three backups per day. Daniel also emphasizes the importance of restore tests: "Even if backups are made regularly, companies should always check whether the restore works smoothly."

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5 Which criteria are decisive when selecting a backup solution?

When selecting a backup solution, companies must ensure that all relevant cloud services are covered and that the data is stored in secure locations. 

Another important criterion is the retentionHow long does the company want to keep its backups? Compliance with legal requirements, encryption and access controls play a key role here.

Finally, Daniel emphasizes the importance of scalability and user-friendliness. "A backup solution must grow with the company and offer intuitive operation," he explains. It is also important that new users are automatically included in the backup - otherwise there is a risk that they will be forgotten and remain unsecured.

Conclusion: Backup is more than just technology - it's business continuity

Protection against data loss is not just a technical necessity, but a must for business continuity. Companies are well advised to implement backup strategies that are constantly tested and monitored. Whether accidentally deleted files, ransomware or the failure of a platform - with the right backup solution, you are prepared for all scenarios. 

The aim is not only to back up data, but also to preserve the company's ability to act. After all, data loss is not just a technical problem, but can also jeopardize the stability of ongoing operations.

‍Would youlike to find out more about backup solutions and how best to protect your data? Our team will be happy to answer your questions and work with you to find a suitable solution for your requirements.

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