Allsup: Data Recovery, Backup Crucial For Business Survival

A company that loses data also loses business while the loss can hurt productivity and customer relations to boot, the president of a computer security company told a Jonesboro chamber committee Tuesday.

Michael Allsup, who runs Jonesboro and Memphis-based CriticalEdge, spoke at the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Tech Talks Seminar event at the chamber office on Nettleton Avenue.

Allsup said most companies create data recovery and backup systems based on their specific needs. For instance, a company like Frito-Lay or Hytrol in Jonesboro would use a different system compared to the local two-man machine shop, Allsup said.

However, every company should do the same when getting ready to purchase a system, Allsup said.

NEEDS
Allsup said companies should first look at why they should back up their data. Some companies use disks or CDs to save information, while larger companies use tape and USB systems to build databases.

Once the decision is made, Allsup said companies should decide how much data needs to be backed up, for how long, and how much memory is needed.

People should work at least once a day to back up their info, Allsup said, noting most companies work to back up information late in the day or after work to avoid having any downtime during working hours.

Also, companies should use the 3-2-1 approach in saving information, Allsup said. There should be at least three copies saved, with each saved in two media types and at least one saved in an off-site system, Allsup said.

Most companies have used the off-site approach in recent years to back up information, Allsup said. He suggested that companies test systems and files on a regular basis, as well as using disaster recovery software once a year on their entire system.

CONTACT LIST CRUCIAL
Allsup said people should work to make sure their software and information is encrypted to avoid theft or espionage.

However, in case the system crashes, businesses also need to be prepared.

Allsup suggested businesses keep a contact list of their information technology employees and the company they use.

Businesses should also document how their backup systems work, as well as where the information is stored, Allsup said.