Why Cloud Data Protection Is Critical for Remote Work Setups

A breach that puts your data in the hands of a cybercriminal can take place in a matter of seconds, and can be catastrophic, costing thousands of dollars or worse.

Most businesses have implemented some form of backups as a part of their IT support model. However, the type of solution needs to fit the style of the work environment to be successful. As many companies move toward a remote work model due to COVID-19 or otherwise, the need for a backup solution that can grow with your employees becomes more pressing.

Cloud backup solutions are critical for companies that utilize a remote workforce because of the unique challenges they face. Remote workers are more susceptible to things like data loss because of increased security risks, hardware damages, and other forms of corporate disaster. Cloud backups can protect cloud applications in ways traditional backup methods can’t, and they also offer companies substantial cost savings over more traditional backup systems.

Increased Security Risks for Remote Staff

Cybersecurity risks are on the rise largely due to the shift from in-office work to remote setups. A study conducted by Barracuda, one of the world’s leading security vendors, indicated that 46% of global businesses encountered at least one security scare since the start of remote work due to COVID-19 mandates. Hackers and cybercriminals are targeting their efforts on the vulnerabilities often found in remote work setups such as the use of personal devices, lack of protective software, and unprotected Wi-Fi networks.

While shoring up these vulnerabilities should be a top concern for IT departments dealing with a remote workforce, the best tool they can deploy right away is a cloud backup solution. This will ensure that company data is protected in the event a data breach presents itself.

Cloud Backups Support the Tools Remote Staff Use

With remote work on the rise, companies are opting to implement more applications that run in the cloud rather than those within their internal network. Traditional backup methods like server replication become less important in favor of cloud backups because most business processes are taking place outside of the internal network. Utilizing a backup solution that targets business computing sources allows businesses to protect their data in a more streamlined way that can be accessed when needed more easily.

Cost Savings

According to a study done by the University of Texas, 94% of companies that suffered a data breach did not survive, 43% of them never reopened, and 51% closed within two years. Businesses cannot afford to deal with data loss, making the need for cloud backups even more apparent. Opting for this type of backup allows companies to store their data outside of their network, acting as a secondary protection layer should an internal data loss occur.

Additionally, many cloud backup solutions are significantly less expensive than traditional services. Because data is stored in the cloud, there is no need for costly storage appliances or drives.

Final Thoughts

Cloud backups are a smart choice for any company that utilizes a remote workforce to conduct business. The threat of a cyber attack reaching remote staff is dampened with the knowledge that essential business data is protected outside of the targeted devices. These types of backups follow the cloud-based tools and applications used by remote staff, allowing for another layer of protection in the event of a breach. Finally, the cost savings over traditional backup methods are substantial but pale in comparison to the repercussions of an internal data breach.

At 3RT Networks, we understand the need for a secure backup solution. Our team of engineers has an in-depth knowledge of the various backup options available today, and will take the time to design customized solutions that fit your unique business needs. 

To learn more about the different backup solutions and how you can leverage them to protect your business, download the [Small Business Guide to Managing Data Protection] today.