Data backup and protection are becoming ever increasingly important. We live in a time where software and AI have advanced to such a level where the old methods of cybersecurity are beginning to fall short.
The use of cloud-based systems and SaaS products has become increasingly common in recent years, with many businesses relying on these solutions to manage their data and operations. While these types of systems offer many benefits, it is important for businesses to also consider the importance of backups to ensure the safety and availability of their data. One of the key benefits of using cloud-based systems and SaaS products is that they can provide a high level of uptime and availability. However, it is still possible for these systems to experience outages or other issues that can disrupt access to data. In addition, cyber attacks and other threats can also compromise the security of cloud-based systems and put data at risk.
Having a robust backup system in place is essential to protect against these types of threats and ensure that data is available when needed. This can be particularly important for businesses that rely on cloud-based systems and SaaS products to support critical operations, as a data loss event could have significant consequences for the business.
It’s a commonly held misconception that cloud based platforms such as Google Drive, Microsoft 365 and Dropbox bear the responsibility for the protection of data stored on their clouds, and that part of their service is to ensure that data stored in this way is backed up. Because of the belief that the responsibility falls elsewhere, many businesses fall victim to data loss every day, here in the United States and worldwide.
SaaS (Software as a Service) providers have some of the best security available, and many tools to deal with all manner of infrastructure threats, such as hardware and software failure, power outages and natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes. That said, they are unable to help to protect their customers from some of the leading causes of data loss on their cloud platforms.
The Four Main Reasons For Data Loss
1: Human Error
Whether by accident or intention, employees can potentially overwrite or delete important files and business critical information. Even employees trained in data protection can accidentally delete an important email or account. They can accidentally download malicious software allowing people access to their computers, or click phishing links in emails. This can even occur without the employee being aware that there is any issue. Not only can it lead to horrendous data breaches, but it can also lead to massive data loss as well. SaaS providers are unable to know whether requests were intentional or not, so they must always treat these actions as legitimate requests and handle the actions as if the request comes direct from the people using their software.
2: Synchronization Errors
Many people using the cloud use third-party data synchronization services. Despite being incredibly useful, if multiple users are accessing the same file from different devices or locations, it can lead to irretrievable data loss if someone accidentally deletes or overwrites a file multiple users are editing. Because of these synchronization services, the changes made to the file will affect all devices, meaning that if one person makes a mistake, the files may be irretrievable, even if revisions are reflected on the files, such as with Google Docs. Despite most synchronization services offering a limited ability to restore altered or deleted files, this is not foolproof, and the effects can be catastrophic.
3: Ransomware attacks
File Sync and Share applications are not a backup! Because cloud storage solutions synchronize with your local storage, they are susceptible to ransomware attacks. Dropbox, OneDrive and many other sync and share solutions allow you to store your files locally, which they then synch with the cloud. Ransomware can encrypt your files locally and then sync this encryption to the cloud, which can not only cause massive data leaks, but data loss as well. When it comes to large organizations sharing a lot of data through the cloud, it only takes one infected computer to cause horrendous damage to everything stored on the cloud.
4: Insider Threats
It doesn’t always fall down to corporate espionage for your own workforce to be a malicious threat to your data. It is not unknown for disgruntled employees to strike our and maliciously delete, leak or alter corporate data. There are many examples of employees stealing and deleting data, or purposely sabotaging save files to get back at their employers. If US army intelligence and the NSA can be leaked or damaged in such a way, it can happen to you.
DragonTech IT Services is a Managed IT Services Provider based in Chattanooga, TN. We provide enterprise-grade Security, Privacy, and Efficiency for your small business. Our services range from simple tech support to fully managed IT, Cybersecurity, Data Compliance, and Digital Marketing services. Contact us today to learn more.
