What Does a Good Back-Up Storage System for Schools Look Like?
What is the best back-up system for an educational institution? Read on to discover how to store your invaluable data in a secure yet convenient manner.
Recent statistics show that more than one thousand schools in the United States may have been affected by ransomware attacks. What is more, there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will actually result in immediate access to locked-down data. Given these facts, it’s not hard to see why having the right back-up system is a must for every single school in the nation.
What does a good back-up storage system look like? Following is an overview of some expert recommendations.
Back-Up Data both Online and Offline
Online data storage enables you to back up files with relative ease. However, it can be costly as you need to periodically pay for additional storage space as your school grows. What’s more, many third-party cloud storage options aren’t as secure as they would initially seem.
At the same time, offline storage options such as tape storage have their own disadvantages. Tape storage, for instance, is unreliable and may not work properly in the wake of a ransomware attack. A back-up drive may be vulnerable to unauthorized access if it falls into the wrong hands; alternatively, it can be damaged in a natural disaster.
Because no one storage solution is perfect on its own, experts recommend using both online and offline storage options. Doing so ensures you will have a back-up you can rely on no matter what happens.
Limit Access to Back-Up Data
Given the fact that your back-up storage system will contain a wealth of valuable data, it’s wise to limit access. There are various ways to do this, including:
- Encrypting data so that only authorized faculty members can access it
- Setting up two-factor authentication for cloud storage so hackers can’t penetrate it
- Choosing strong passwords (that include capital and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols) for your cloud server
Partner with a Professional
IT managed services can offer schools the expertise needed to create a secure storage system that meets a school’s needs at a reasonable cost. Working with an expert will not only ensure the storage system works properly, is easy to use, and remains secure at all times.
Network Outsource is a New York-based IT managed service provider that caters to the needs of educational institutions. The company has been in operation for decades and has a reputation for offering fast, efficient services to schools throughout New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Available service options include cybersecurity training for faculty members, network monitoring, persistent threat protection, data back-ups and more. Get in touch with us to learn more or to make an appointment with one of our IT consultants at your convenience.
