A third of all data loss is caused by problems with backups

A Third of All Data Loss in the UK is Due to Backup Failures: Is Your Data Really Safe?

Losing access to your business data—even briefly—is enough to make any business owner’s heart race. It’s like the ultimate nightmare, but unfortunately, it’s not fiction.

Most businesses in the UK rely on data backup and recovery tools to protect their data in case of an emergency. In theory, these tools make copies of your files and store them safely, so if something goes wrong, you can recover your data and keep working without a hitch. But here’s the unsettling truth: a third of all data loss incidents are actually caused by issues with these backup tools themselves.

Why Are Backups Failing?

A recent report has shown that many backup solutions are simply not as reliable as businesses assume. Shockingly, one in three cases of data loss is due to backups that failed when they were needed most—either the data was corrupted, or the recovery process just didn’t work.

The result? Businesses across the UK are discovering too late that their data recovery plans aren’t as foolproof as they thought.

Ransomware: A Major Threat to Data Security

And it’s not just failed backups that businesses need to worry about. Ransomware attacks—where malicious software locks you out of your own files until you pay a ransom—are one of the biggest cybersecurity threats facing UK businesses today. Even companies with reliable backup and disaster recovery tools are finding themselves at risk.

Here’s the catch: Half of the businesses hit by ransomware who had backup tools in place still ended up paying the ransom. Why? Because paying was faster than attempting to recover the files from backups. Unfortunately, even paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee full data recovery; only a small number of businesses that paid were able to restore everything completely.

What Makes Backup Tools So Unreliable?

If backup solutions are designed to keep your data safe, why do so many businesses still experience problems?

1. Improper Setup: Backup tools often need careful configuration to perform properly. Without an expert setup, they can fall short when it counts.
2. Lack of Regular Checks: Even the best backup systems need to be tested regularly to ensure they’re actually saving your data. If they aren’t, the backups may be incomplete or corrupted.
3. Outdated Technology: Many older backup systems simply can’t keep up with today’s cyber threats. As ransomware and malware become more sophisticated, so must the technology we use to protect our data.

How to Ensure Your Data is Truly Safe

Setting up and maintaining a reliable data backup system can be complex, and it’s vital that it’s done correctly. At Clyk, we specialise in IT support for UK businesses, ensuring that your backup and recovery solutions are robust, up-to-date, and ready for anything.

We can also help you implement advanced safeguards, such as Continuous Data Protection (CDP). CDP continuously saves changes to your files, so you can “rewind” your data to the point just before an attack or data loss occurred, minimizing downtime and preventing loss.

This isn’t just a one-time setup; it requires regular management and testing, something we provide to businesses across the UK every day.

Don’t Leave Your Data to Chance

If your business relies on data, don’t leave it vulnerable to failed backups or ransomware. We’re here to make sure your backup systems are properly configured, regularly checked, and fully secure. Get in touch to see how we can help safeguard your data and keep your business running smoothly—no horror stories here.

Let’s protect your data the right way. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive IT support services and how we can keep your business secure.

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