If you have recently implemented data backup solutions, in addition to a disaster recovery plan, congratulations! You have taken a proactive approach — one that could save your business.
Since data is the lifeline of your business, it is no longer enough to simply create a data backup plan. To ensure the right levels of protection, you must regularly test data backups, ensuring that everything is running as it should.
Not sure how? Well, this data backup testing guide is for you.
Your Business Has Created a Data Backup Plan — Now What?
If you have not yet read The Complete Guide to Data Backups for SMBs, it’s the perfect place to start. The more familiar you become with your data backup strategy, the better.
That way, as the needs of your business evolve, you will be able to effectively improve and manage your disaster recovery plan. At this point, since you already have a data backup strategy in place, it is now time to develop best practice habits.
Of those, regular data backup testing is imperative — this applies to all proactive strategies.
According to a survey from The Hartford, 59% of businesses have a formal business continuity plan (a component of your disaster recovery plan), but only a third of those plans are tested.
In contrast, by testing your data back up plan, you can identify weak areas that you may have otherwise missed. By catching these early warning signs, you can then implement changes that fix these issues before any data loss occurs.
Remember, when it comes to your company’s data, always take a proactive approach — limiting the need for a reactive approach (because it may be too late at that point).
Bottom line: Although data testing requirements will vary from one business to the next, once you create a plan, you must regularly test it. That means testing the associated technologies and procedures in question, ensuring that your strategy is able to effectively backup and then restore your data in the case of an emergency.
How Do I Test My Data Backup Plan?
The fact that you’re currently taking an interest in data backup testing is the first critical step. It could help you avoid a potentially devastating blow to your business.
Regular testing also provides you with an opportunity to fully address your policies and methods, supporting greater peace-of-mind.
Start with a backup testing plan.
This plan should include technical specifications listing where your backups are stored, how to access them, who has access to them, and more.
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Related: The 3-2-1 Backup Rule (And Other Backup Best Practices)
