Avoiding Data Storage Nightmares: 10 Tips for SMBs

by Chris Preimesberger

Make sure you set up alerts the first day you install a backup, and check to see that your backups are working at all times. With critical business data, consider augmenting your backup process with a disaster recovery strategy.

Data, whether structured in databases or unstructured in file systems, always grows faster than you think. Make sure your storage is at less than 70 percent utilization and take proactive steps to monitor storage growth and understand what’s being stored and what can be moved, tiered or archived.

Use external security consultants to verify that your data protection initiatives stand up to outside threats.

First, take a deep breath. Then establish a process that highlights your organization’s data governance policy.

Encryption or remote wipe. They’re the only things you can do, aside from chaining the laptop to your CEO’s arm.

Use a tool that will find contraband files and will alert you. This is an ongoing battle.

If you’re using a cloud provider such as Google Docs make sure your Google Docs are not shared with the Internet. Find a workable software platform to secure Google Docs and other cloud applications.

Employ a “least privileged access policy” so only approved users and groups are granted permissions to data.

Audit file activity to know if and when a departing employee has copied data before leaving.??í

Use a??ísecure cloud service to make sure important data is accessible to everyone.??í