Protect Your Data: A Guide to The Three Most Common Types of Backups

Data loss caused by security breaches or software errors cost millions of dollars to rectify. The average cost for every single lost file is $141 – and it is never just one record that goes missing.

The cost of lost data is not just about the time taken for recovery. New security protocols, PR campaigns, and employee downtime caused by missing files or broken devices all add to the bill.

Backing up your data reduces the cost of recovery and minimizes business downtime. Here is how to know which types of backups you need to use for a complete data recovery plan to avoid costly downtime.

Three Types of Backups for Your Business Data

The data backup type you need for your business data will vary depending on a range of factors. Here are the three main types of data backup and when you should consider using them.

1. Full Backup

A regular full backup is the foundation of any disaster recovery plan.

Every single file is backed up during the comprehensive process. All files are stored on a single media type, such as a DVD or tape, for easy restoration. It takes a lot longer than other backup types, and uses far more storage, but ensures a fast and full data recovery process.

A full backup is something you should do regularly as the bare minimum for data recovery plans.

2. Incremental Backup

An incremental backup is much faster than a full one, as it only updates data changed since the previous restore point.

Incremental backups use less storage and are faster to complete. They should only be relied upon to supplement data recovery for files changed since a full backup. It is not effective as a sole restore point in a disaster recovery process.

3. Differential Backup

A differential backup is similar to an incremental one in the way it only updates data changed since the last full backup.

Instead of only updating files made since the last incremental backup, all data that has changed since the last full recovery point is updated.

For example, imagine you complete a full backup on Day One, and a differential backup on Day Two. The differential backup records changes from between the two days.

If you then complete a differential backup on Day Three it will record all changes made on both Day Two and Day Three compared to the full backup file. This option creates a more comprehensive backup file than an incremental process.

A differential backup is slower and needs more storage than an incremental one but is faster and needs less storage than a full backup.

Find a Reliable Data Backup Service

The best disaster recovery and data backup services combine types of backups as a standard.

Using incremental or differential backups with regular full backups is both time efficient and saves on data storage requirements, without compromising on your recovery options.

We offer a range of data backup and disaster recovery planning services to help your business continue in the event of a security breach.

Contact us today to find out more about securing your business data to guarantee a fast and comprehensive recovery process whenever you need it.

Sagacent Technologies offers technology management and support, including proactive/preventative maintenance, onsite and offsite data back-ups, network and security audits, mobility solutions, disaster planning and emergency business resumption services. The company serves clients of 10 to 150 employees within the Silicon Valley region.