Challenges in cloud backup and recovery and how to overcome them
Cloud adoption has gone mainstream. Organizations have been using it to store files, share documents, and subscribe to productivity software, among many others. The cloud can also be utilized to back up data and recover it in the event of a disaster. But despite its benefits, it does come with a unique set of challenges.
#1. “I’m not exactly sure what I need from the cloud.”
Using the cloud for backup and recovery initially requires answering the following questions:
- What data do I need in the cloud?
- How do I know if the data in my office are ready for cloud replication?
- What are my requirements and priorities for disaster recovery?
The answers to these questions will shed light on what cloud environment you need. But let’s face it, these questions can be overwhelming for business owners. They might end up guessing their way to the answers. This can lead to unnecessary costs from allocating too much resources or expose the company to even greater risks from allocating too little resources.
Solution architects from cloud service providers (CSPs) are equipped to assist you during this assessment process. They can analyze the data going in and out of your business’s system to identify and prioritize workloads for backup and recovery. They can also help you understand your existing network and workloads and flag any issues that might come up. This allows you to make decisions based on knowledge rather than on guesswork.
“Oh, you mean this cloud backup and recovery thing doesn’t mean I have to pray to the heavens to restore my data?”
#2. “How am I supposed to meet all of these compliance stuff?”
Nowadays, industry standards and government-mandated regulations around data center security are becoming more complicated. For example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires covered entities to conduct the following:
- Create and execute a data backup plan
- Develop a disaster recovery plan
- Produce an emergency mode operation plan
- Generate and implement procedures for testing and revising contingency plans
- Perform an application and data criticality analysis
Not only are the requirements more stringent, but the regulatory penalties are also more severe. That sucks for business owners, but it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re subscribed to the right cloud backup and disaster recovery service. Pick a vendor that has a high-quality and well-managed IT infrastructure with rigid security controls and documentation processes.
If your business is in a highly regulated sector like finance and healthcare, choose a CSP with the specialized knowledge for your compliance environment. Double check if the CSP has undergone the required independent audits for compliance. Ask them what tools and documentation they have to help meet your audit and reporting obligations.
“All these worries about compliance and data loss are causing my hair loss.”
#3. “Is my backed up data secure in the cloud?”
When it comes to the cloud, security is always one of the biggest concerns. Can hackers intercept data while it is being transmitted from the office to the cloud? Will uploading backed-up data to the cloud make it accessible to hackers? If a nefarious third party gains access to backups, what can they do with the organization’s sensitive information?
To ensure vulnerable data remains secure, partner with a CSP that is experienced in safely shifting and storing protected information in the cloud. Their systems must also be equipped with advanced threat prevention and encryption systems. With proper implementation, data can be protected by encryption before it leaves the office’s network, during transit, and even while it is stored in the cloud.
Partnering with the right vendor is the key to successfully implement a cloud-based backup and disaster recovery solution. The good news is that Red Key Solutions has over a decade’s worth of IT expertise to make sure that your cloud services meet your company’s needs. Talk to us to learn more.
