Tip of the Day: Create a data protection plan
November 3rd, 2007, 1:00 am · Post a Comment · posted by Jan Norman, small-business columnist
Today’s tip comes from Maxell, which makes data storage products for business as well as the better known audio tapes and DVDs.
On Sunday we switch back to standard time from daylight savings time and it’s an easy way to remember to back up your computer files. And it’s a good time to develop a data 
protection plan.
- Examine your needs. Various media are available, such as high-capacity tape, CD or DVD formats, and encryption technologies for sensitive data. As a general rule calculate that your company’s data doubles every 18 months.
- Commit to a schedule to back up computer files on a regular basis.
- Leave no stone unturned. Make sure your data backup plan include all your mobile devices incluing laptop, cell phone, Blackberries, instant messangers and e-mail.
- Avoid a false sense of security. Double-check your backup tapes every few months to ensure the information is recorded correctly and tapes remain undamaged.
- Take extra precaution. When it comes to credit card numbers, social security data, and customer and employee personal information you can never be too safe. Encryption technologies can offer safe data storage allowing only authoized persons access to information.
Share your tips and resources that help small businesses be more successful. Send tips to me at jnorman@ocregister.com. If I use one, I’ll use your name, company and Web site.
