%20cropped.jpg)
Disaster recovery is critical to every business. One impediment is the fact that data retention and storage don't happen automatically. That’s why you need a plan that includes a team, policies, procedures and regularly archived data. In this manner, you’ll be prepared in case a data disaster strikes.
Data retention and storage also play a vital role in the success and compliance of businesses, particularly in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance and law. In these sectors, the proper management of data is not only essential for operational efficiency but is also a legal requirement to ensure confidentiality and security.
In this article we’ll be discussing:
- The Misconception of Automatic Data Logging
- Setting Up Data Retention Policies
- Benefits of Third-Party Data Storage Tools
- Ensuring Data Archiving
- Analyzing Data for Risk Mitigation
By implementing comprehensive data management strategies and leveraging reliable third-party tools, businesses can better protect themselves. In this manner, businesses can safeguard sensitive information, comply with regulations and drive success in today's data-driven world.
The Misconception of Automatic Data Logging
There is a common misconception that having a computer or server in place means that all data is automatically logged and stored. However, this is simply not the case. A proper team must set up an implement data storage and retention.
It's important to understand that data logging and retention is not automatic. It requires specialized IT tools and organizational policies designed to guide the archiving process and frequency. In addition, the disaster recovery team should archive the data in a way that is accessible.
Secure and reliable third-party tools can alleviate many concerns about data storage and retention. These tools not only collect and analyze all the log data but also archive it for a specified period of time. This is particularly beneficial for regulated industries, as it ensures compliance with data retention regulations.
In the event of a disaster, such as a fire or cybersecurity breach, storing data offsite with a third-party vendor ensures its safety and accessibility.
Setting Up Data Retention Policies
When it comes to data retention, businesses need to establish proper policies to ensure compliance and accessibility. In addition, the policies should specify the duration for which the data will be retained.
Consider adding a Managed IT consultant to your disaster recovery team. Their expertise can help guide the development of best practices for identifying and archiving specific necessary data. In addition, regular reviews of these policies are necessary to adapt to changing regulations and business requirements.
Benefits of Third-Party Data Storage Tools
Utilizing third-party data storage tools offers numerous benefits for businesses. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
- Secure and reliable storage solutions designed to handle the complexities of data management.
- Automatic backup and disaster recovery capabilities to ensure business continuity and minimize the risk of data loss.
- Advanced security features utilizing encryption or other protective measures to safeguard data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
- Scalability to easily expand data storage as needed.
Overall, third-party data storage tools ensure data security and accessibility. They also reduce the burden on businesses, allowing them to focus on their core operations.
Ensuring Secure Data Archiving
To ensure secure data archiving, businesses should implement robust data encryption methods to protect sensitive information. Encryption prevents unauthorized access to data, which is crucial, if it falls into the wrong hands.
Regular backups of archived data should also be performed to minimize the risk of data loss. These backups should be stored in separate locations to provide redundancy and ensure data availability in case of a disaster.
Moreover, businesses should establish strict access controls and permissions for data archiving. Only authorized personnel should have the ability to access and modify archived data, reducing the risk of unauthorized tampering or deletion.
Analyzing Data for Risk Mitigation
Analyzing data plays a crucial role in risk mitigation for businesses. In fact, third-party data storage tools often are integrated into larger solutions like SIEM/SOC tools, which can identify potentially malicious data patterns and anomalies. If you find an anomaly, you can also use SIEM/SOC tools to deploy actionable steps to mitigate attacks.
In addition, you can use the logged data analysis to identify areas for positive cybersecurity changes. Examples of this include opportunities to update security protocols, patching vulnerabilities or improving employee cybersecurity training.
Your Source for Proactive Cybersecurity Services
Whether large or small, every business deserves good cybersecurity. And with the cultural shift towards hybrid and remote working, virtual desktops are becoming more popular.
But not every virtual desktop is the same. Businesses looking for a better (and more secure) virtual desktop experience are leveraging Elevity’s expertise in implementing Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop. Azure was built to specifically serve remote and/or hybrid workforces.
Download our eBook, Advancements in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Technology and learn how Azure could benefit your workforce.
