As developers, we currently have access to technology that’s incredibly advanced and secure. However, the threat of data loss is always present. Whether it’s a cyber attack, natural disaster, or system error, files have a way of disappearing without much notice. When you’re working with clients and spending hundreds of hours on projects, you can’t afford to lose data.
5 Reasons Why a Data Backup Plan is a Must
Data loss is dangerous, frightening, and unfortunately quite pervasive in today’s age. “One of the scariest parts of losing your data is that you might not know exactly what it is that you’ve lost,” Disk Copy LLC points out. “Unless you keep detailed records of everything you do on your system, it’s quite possible that you won’t even know something is missing until you need it, in which case you’re empty handed.”
That’s the scary thing about data loss. Sometimes it’s obvious, while other times it happens behind the scenes. In order to help you better understand the risks involved, here are a few of the top reasons why a data backup plan is a must:
Natural Disasters
Mother Nature is merciless. Between violent thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters, you never know what’s going to hit close to home. If you find yourself in the heart of such a disaster, it’s entirely possible that your computers and other hardware could be damaged beyond repair. With a backup plan, you can rest easy knowing that your data is protected – either in a remote location or virtual location.
Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common and nobody is safe from the threat of malicious hackers. Something as simple as an email attachment could let a virus into your computer. As a result, your files could become corrupt, and you could unknowingly transfer valuable customer data into the wrong hands. With a data backup plan, you at least have a bit of recourse should an attack happen.
Human Errors
Data loss doesn’t always happen at the hands of Mother Nature or hackers, though. Sometimes, simple human errors – such as unknowingly overwriting a file – can come back to hurt you. And if there isn’t a data backup plan in place, you’ll have little options.
Taxes and Audits
What happens if the IRS decides to audit you in a couple of years and you no longer have important files and information? As you can guess, this wouldn’t be good.
“Insuring [sic] that you’ve got an offsite backup of critical client information can really save you if something goes wrong locally—the IRS and regulatory commissions really don’t care that you had a data disaster, all it means to them is that you’re not compliant and they can fine you,” expert Casey Morgan says.
Decreased Legal Risks
When you’re working with confidential client information, a data loss isn’t just about one isolated project. Should information end up in the wrong hands, you could actually be held legally responsible for the ramifications of these actions. In other words, a backup plan is an investment in legal protection. Fail to backup your work and your career could be forever impacted.
Act Now and Avoid Regret
Pouring money into a data backup plan may not seem feasible, but remember that the cost of doing nothing is much higher. A few dollars spent each month on the front end is far cheaper than the thousands you’ll be forced to spend on the back end if something goes wrong.
