encryption

We have recently had quite a few enquiries asking whether our online backup service is encrypted. This is generally considered to be a good sign as it shows that users and companies are becoming more and more aware of the importance of security.

Our online backup service uses a combination of SSL and AES encryption. When backups are created they are encrypted on the users server/PC using the key the user created. This encrypted data is then sent over the Internet using SSL encryption where it arrives at our storage servers.

A little tip: Ask your current online backup company what would happen to your data if you forgot your encryption key/password? If they say they can reset it for you then it is likely they are not using any kind of encryption at all – or they store your encryption key on their systems. BackupVault uses an encryption key known only by you. We do not store this encryption key anywhere on our systems. You can be rest assured that your data remains on our storage systems in an encrypted state at all times.

It seems like every week there is another article exposing a company or government department that has lost data. Each time this happens the importance of moving data offsite and encryption is highlighted.

It has just been announced that back in May, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council lost a memory stick containing details of 18,000 residents. Worst still was that fact that this information was unencrypted.

The council was found to be in breach of The Data Protection Act. A report found that steps were not taken to ensure that staff were trained in basic encryption methods.

Many small businesses use memory sticks as a form of backup for their company. Whilst they are quick and convenient, they suffer from the following drawbacks:

• Not automatic and labour intensive
• Only keeps one copy of a file. What happens if you need to restore a file from 10 days ago?
• Not encrypted – unless you use third party software
• Limited storage space
• Can be easily lost

BackupVault Online Backup addresses all of these shortcomings  and more. Sign up for a free online backup trial today to see the difference it can make for your business.

Many organisations continue to use tape backup as a method of protecting their critical business data. But how does this compare to online backup? We have listed some handy comparisons for you below:

Automation
Whilst the software used by tape backup is automatic, the physical loading/unloading of tapes is not. Over the course of a year, this can take up considerable (and expensive) man-hours. By comparison, online backup is completely automatic – the entire process is managed by the client software and storage platform.

Security
Data is typically stored on tape in an unencrypted format. If these tapes are ever moved offsite (which they should be for offsite protection) there will be a security risk. BackupVault Online Backup is encrypted using a key known only to you even before it leaves your computer/server. It is fully encrypted whilst being transmitted over the Internet and remains encrypted on our servers.

Offsite Backups
Tape backups require them to be physically moved to an offsite location – preferably every day. This obviously takes time and the location is rarely secure. Online Backup is by its very nature “offsite” and therefore you data is protected from any number of physical threats.

(more…)

Whilst the benefits of online backups are obvious, the issue many businesses have is who to choose to provide their online backup.

With so many backup providers out there it may seem difficult to know where to turn. Fortunately there are a few key questions to ask to ensure you make the correct decision.

Backup selection
Will the backup software allow me to backup everything I need to? Some backup systems enable you to backup only basic files and folders, whilst others will backup complex databases such as SQL and Exchange. Ask the backup provider if they can backup exactly what you need.

Security
Security is high on most peoples list. Does the online backup software encrypt your files when being sent over the Internet? Do the files remain encrypted on their storage servers – and who knows the encryption key? The key should be known only to you. The other security consideration should be physical security. Ask questions about exactly where your files are physically stored and the location of the datacenter. Some backup providers have their servers in a completely different country to the UK.

(more…)