Back Up Your Critical Data: 10 Examples from a Cybersecurity Expert

Hackers have utilized Ransomware as a tool to extort Billions of dollars since I started my company in 2015. While prevention should always be the first priority, backup is a crucial layer of protection for when things go horribly wrong. Business owners must have a good understanding of what critical data exists in their organization. A standard way to tell what data is critical: ask yourself “would I pay a hacker to get this data back if it were encrypted?” If the answer is yes, you are dealing with critical data. Here are some examples of critical data that should be backed up and protected:

1. Customer and Client Records

Names, contact information, purchase histories and sensitive personal or financial details are invaluable to your business. Not only could the loss of access affect your ability to serve your customers, a ransomware attack is considered a breach. The embarrassment and cost of notifying victims coupled with the cost of offering credit monitoring can be devastating to your business.

2. Financial Records

Your accounting records, invoices, tax documents, payroll information and bank account details are vital to your organization. Can you run your business without access to Quickbooks or accounting data?

3. Intellectual Property

For some of you, your patents, trade secrets and procedures are things your competition would love to get their hands on. Losing access, or having that data leaked, could destroy any competitive edge you have.

4. Employee Records

Social security numbers, health insurance information and payroll data are essential for employee management. Hackers would love to know your lowest paid employee that may be unhappy enough to help them access your data for the right price. (Sadly, it happens. Betrayal never comes from those you don’t trust.)

5. Contracts and Legal Documents

Client, vendor and partner agreements often outline obligations and terms critical to your business’s survival. Losing these could put your operations at risk of disruption or legal consequences.

6. Operational Data

Inventory lists, supply chain data, maintenance schedules and other day-to-day operational data are key to smooth business operations. Without them, productivity could grind to a halt.

7. Strategic Plans

Business strategies, future project plans and confidential reports are essential for growth and decision-making. If these fall into the wrong hands, your competitive advantage may evaporate.

8. Research and Development Data

For companies in sectors like tech, healthcare, or manufacturing, R&D data represents years of investment. Losing access—or having it stolen—could ruin product pipelines or give competitors an edge.

9. Email and Communications Archives

Email often contains a wealth of information: discussions with clients, contracts, approvals, and records of decisions. Losing access can severely hinder productivity and business continuity.

10. Personal Data

Personal photos, videos, documents, correspondence can be irreplaceable. A growing number of ransomware attacks target individuals with deeply personal stakes.

Key Takeaways

1. Identify your critical data—ask yourself, “Would I pay a hacker to get this back?”
2. Use a 3-2-1 backup strategy: 3 copies of your data, 2 different storage mediums, 1 off-site backup.
3. Run regular tests on your backups to ensure they can be restored successfully.
4. Implement cybersecurity measures to minimize the risk of an attack.

Backing up critical data is not just a technical task—it’s a cornerstone of protecting your livelihood, reputation, and future. Don’t let hackers dictate your next move; secure your data today. If you need assistance, make A Better Choice for your backup needs and we’ll take the SH out of your IT! Call us at 813-605-7251.