If you own a business, then you probably rely on the internet. Most business owners have online stores, databases, and use social media platforms.
When you are using computers to run and manage your business, then you will no doubt have to store files and important information on them.
Unfortunately, technology is not perfect. Sometimes it breaks. If your work device breaks, then you could lose all of the information you’ve stored on it.
Fortunately, there is a way of avoiding data loss, and that’s to back your data up. This post will tell you all of the reasons why you should be backing up your business files.
Data Loss
Data loss can be disastrous. If you lose your business’s files, then not only could you be subject to investigation and a possible fine from your industry’s regulatory body, but you could also lose the confidence of your customers.
The vast majority of businesses that use the cloud use block-level storage because it is the superior option.
It is something you should look into investing in if you care about your data’s integrity.
Most tech experts recommend using cloud storage because it’s more secure, easier to use, and much more affordable.
With a cloud storage account, you will be able to access your data from anywhere in the world. As long as you have an internet connection, you’ll be able to access your files.
Corrupted Files
If you are storing files on your computer’s desktop then there’s a chance that they could become corrupted.
If your files become corrupted, your only option will be to restore your device to an earlier restore point.
If you do not have any, then your files will be lost for good. When you store on the cloud, you do not have to worry about corrupted files.
Because of this, it is essential that you regularly perform backups, saving computer files to the cloud. Backing all of your business’s files up will prevent them from becoming corrupted.
IRS Audits
Every so often, the IRS gets in touch with business owners and notifies them that they are being audited.
Auditing is completely normal. It is not an indication that your business has been identified as suspicious, it just means you have been randomly selected.
If you have all of your business’s files, data, and financial information backed up on the cloud, it’ll be much easier for you to complete the auditing process.
If you do not have files immediately available, then the IRS will want to see bank statements, which can be a very long and annoying process.
Fast Recovery
When you have files backed up, you can recover faster after a disaster. If, for example, your brick-and-mortar business burns down, and all of the computers inside of it are lost, then all of the files on them will be lost too.
If your files are not backed up, then you will have lost them too. If your files are backed up, however, then as soon as you get some new computers and have your business repaired, you can get back to business.
You could even operate online in the interim between your store burning down and its reopening.
Prolonged Downtime
Keeping in line with the previous point, if any disasters happen and you do not have all of your business’s files backed up, then you will be down and out of business for a lot longer than you would if they were backed up.
If they were backed up, then you could in theory start running your business online, as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
The longer your business is down and out of commission, the fewer chances there are that you will be able to salvage things and return as normal.
Various studies have shown that the vast majority of businesses that experience some kind of disaster and have to shut down temporarily, shut forever.
Hack Attempts
Finally, when you back your data up (and when you use the cloud) you are less likely to be hacked.
Unfortunately, hacking is becoming a lot more common today than it used to be.
Businesses are targeted by criminal gangs so that their financial information can be stolen and used for fraud.
Keeping your financial data (i.e., customer payment information) stored on the cloud will prevent hackers from being able to access it.
Be sure to activate two-factor authentication on your cloud account, just so you have an extra layer of protection.
The cloud is an extremely secure place to store your data. If you are a business owner, then you should start using it.
When you store data on the cloud, you don’t have to worry about loss, theft, or corruption. It’s affordable, widely available, and very secure.
