5 Common Data Storage Mistakes

Data Storage is a safeguarding process necessary for every business. How then could a process aimed at safeguarding go wrong?

Knowing what Data Storage is, and its importance is foundation knowledge. Knowing that there are ways data storage could go wrong is building up existing knowledge, and that is the aim of this article.  

Here are 5 Common Data Storage Mistakes to avoid in order to prevent compromising your business efficiency.  

• Overlooking Data Security and Quality

Data security and quality are crucial when seeking data storage, but most times, these factors are overlooked. Using data storage with inadequate data security and quality is just like having no backup at all. Inadequate security and quality can lead to inaccurate insight, which in turn affects the overall running process of the business. 

Always authenticate the security and quality of your chosen data storage.

• Relying on a Single Storage Backup

To ensure safe backup of all your data in case of any unforeseen events like accidental deletion, crash, misplacement or damages, it is advised to have up to two to three data backup storage. Consider a combination of external hard drives, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, and even cloud storage. This multi-pronged approach ensures redundancy, so you have a safety net if one backup method fails. 

To avoid this mistake, you should ensure careful storage and backup to at least two different types of media to minimise the risk of data loss.

• Forgetting to Test Backups Regularly

Having more than one backup is not the end of safety practice when ensuring excellence at storing data. Running a regular backup test on your backup system is of utmost importance, as it can help you ease struggles while trying to recover data after a disaster.

Running regular testing exposes you to regulatory requirements, common issues like misconfiguration, as well as recovery objectives.

• Neglecting Scalability

If you do not budget for future data growth, you may run out of storage space, which could cause data loss and necessitate expensive and time-consuming migrations. Thus, it is essential that you choose storage solutions that are scalable and can grow with your needs. Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Cloud storage services offer flexibility and can be easily scaled up or down based on your requirements.

Regularly review your storage needs and adjust your plan accordingly to ensure you have adequate capacity.

• Failing to Train Key Personnel

The personnel carrying out or associated with your backup is crucial to its success, thus regular training of these persons is essential. Failure to put them through training could lead to them making frequent errors such as failing to regularly backup their data, which is bad for business and puts all your efforts to waste. 

Training key people in the organisation adequately provides a level of security and awareness towards achieving a safe data backup.

Conclusion 

The above listed data storage mistakes is in no way an exhaustive list as data storage mistakes are inexhaustive. However, avoiding these common data storage mistakes protects your valuable business data and maximises your business security. 

It is important to note that taking preventive measures is always more effective than dealing with the consequences of data loss or device malfunctions.

Data storage mistakes are avoidable; be on the right track in safeguarding your data.