As we mark World Backup Day, it's crucial to recognize the significance of data backup in the context of cybersecurity. In an era where data breaches, ransomware attacks, and natural disasters are all too common, having a robust backup strategy is no longer optional—it's a necessity.
Stephen Gatchell, Data Advisory Director at BigID, stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach: "Data backup strategies must be inclusive across security, privacy, and data perspectives to ensure data breach recovery, regulatory compliance, and business continuity. Understanding the value of critical data, the time it takes to restore that data supporting business processes, and a clearly defined, easily understood, and transparent management of customer and personal data should all be a focal point of data backup strategies."
The complexity of modern IT environments means that backup and recovery strategies need to be well-thought-out and meticulously implemented. Niel Pandya, APAC & Japan CTO at OpenText Cybersecurity, shares his experience: "Many aspects influence backup and recovery strategies, including understanding data, IT visibility, and awareness of business costs during downtime. It's crucial to prioritize critical systems for backup and recovery, aligning with the business's recovery time objectives."
Greg Clark, Director at OpenText Cybersecurity, highlights the need for data prioritization and hygiene: "Backups are required for businesses to be responsive and nimble in the event of a ransomware attack or disaster. By prioritizing data privacy and hygiene, organizations can elevate their security posture by going beyond information preservation and disaster recovery."
In the era of remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, the risks to data security are magnified. Jim Fulton, Vice President at Forcepoint, points out the challenges: "One of the greatest risks associated with BYOD is data loss. Proactive approaches that prioritize data security first can help protect business information wherever it is stored and accessed by hybrid employees, including from BYOD and unmanaged devices."
World Backup Day serves as a reminder of the critical role that data backup plays in our digital lives. It's a call to action for individuals and organizations alike to reassess their backup strategies and ensure that their data is protected against the myriad threats that lurk in the cyber landscape. As Jim Fulton aptly puts it, "World Backup Day is always a great reminder to keep BYOD policies up to date and prioritize data security everywhere within an organization. And remember, don’t forget that backing up is just part of what you have to do."