The years of 2020 and 2021 can arguably be recognised as a period in history where people and technology have become more independent on one another, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However dependent on one another, there are still a few people trying to understand the basics of technology in this modern day setting: connecting up the internet, finding the most well lit room for video calls, and the importance of constantly saving and backing up data.

The result of the South African lockdown has had people discussing the reliance that they have formed on their phones, tablets, computers, and laptops more than ever, since working from home became a reality. However, the productivity of some in continuing their weekly business life has been disrupted because of inactive backing and storage systems. The result– an unproductive workday due to lost data and important information.

The hindering of productivity, as of Covid-19, has been viewed in the way in which some South African businesses have been left vulnerable to cybercrime.  Accessing unknown URLs, opening spams, and becoming victims to impersonation attacks has businesses vulnerable to being hacked. Not only that, the clients who hand over personal data or information to a business are equally at risk of when a cyberattack occurs. The company, employees and their clients have quickly fallen ‘victim’ to the hackers.

To prevent lost and/ or stolen data, backing up your data is an important step in any technological relationship. Backing your data up to the cloud or any type of data backup storage system is essential. The concept of backing up your data is a process of making a copy of information, images, videos, or important documents, personal or business related, from any device. This copied form of data is then stored in a separate and secure location that can be accessed anytime should the data need to be restored.

As a preventative measure or solution, some people may have heard about or recommended to use the cloud or similar data storing solutions. Often, people have heard of the cloud, but are not aware of what it entails, what the functionality of the cloud is or how simple it is to use in our everyday technological experiences. To put it simply, the cloud is the internet and what you can access remotely via the internet. When your data is stored on an internet server instead of your device’s hard drive, it means that the data is stored in the cloud. It is like having an extra hard drive you can access anytime that you are connected to the internet.

Alternatively, the cloud is not the only storage system accessible for data backups. The cloud is specifically focused via the internet, however, there are other backup solutions, such as removable media. This includes a USB stick, an external hard drive and external backup solutions such as services from an Information Technology company such as Oasis Intelligent It Solutions. Oasis Intelligent It Solutions offer services focused on information backups and infrastructure prevention that can help with storing data as well as restoring last information.

It is therefore crucial for business owners to invest in decent data backup solutions as lost data or information that cannot be retrieved will impact their business environments negatively – it can result in a loss of clients and money.

In July 2021, South Africa will launch a new data protection law, the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).  The purpose of the act is to protect people from data harm and loss, protect personal information and safekeep their privacy. POPIA will be a suitable strategy solution for any cyber-criminal activity and the act will be an effective strategy in place as a restorative solution should loss of data, hacking or similar actions occur.

As 2021 continues to be affected by Covid-19 in South Africa and many businesses are still working from home, data backups, for private or business, should be as essential as any sanitiser or face mask. To prevent data loss, as a suggestion, we encourage you to try this simple 3-2-1 rule that can aid as a preventative measure to avoid data loss and information.

Avoid the loss of your data and information with a simple 3-2-1 rule!

Create 3 copies of your data/information,

Save copies on at least 2 storage solutions,

And 1 storage in a remote location!

At Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions, we are aware of the dangers and risks of unlawful cyber-activity.  We are conscious of the importance of having a data backing system and safeguarding your information is something we take seriously. Contact us today to assist with infrastructure protecting and information backups through offsite, remote means, onsite measures, and managed services, we will ensure your information is backed up and kept secure.

Contact Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions:

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za