Best Practices for Cloud-based Data Backup in Higher Education
Most schools worldwide have started using cloud computing to store, save and transfer essential documents and data. There are lots of advantages to using this tech. For example, it is usually free and allows the user to access documents from any device in any location.
However, although cloud-based computing is innovative and convenient, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Since the data is stored on the internet, the threat of corruption and other cyber-attacks is present. This article will discuss a few of the best practices that higher education facilities can implement to make safe and secure cloud-based backups.
Use a Recovery Cloud
To ensure that all valuable files and documents are not lost, most schools use a recovery cloud in the case that anything happens to the copies stored on the cloud. In short, a recovery cloud is the same as normal cloud storage software – the only difference is that it is used to save copies or backups of the original data.
There are lots of threats and risks that can cause severe damage to a higher education facility when the cloud is used to store valuable data. For instance, if a hacker or cyber-criminal were to gain access to financial documents and corrupt the information, schools could potentially be in financial ruin. For this reason, backups must be made for these documents.
Only Make Backups of Important Data
Higher education facilities should not make backups of redundant data/unessential documents. If anything terrible happens to the original files and the school has to gain access to the backups, it can become very tedious to sort through unnecessary information. The educational facilities should only make backups and copies of valuable information that cannot be lost or corrupted.
Store Backups Outside off the Cloud
If you want to keep all of your valuable data and files safe, you can use different platforms to store them. As we have mentioned, there is an increased risk of cyber-attacks when storing documents on the cloud – if you want to minimize the effects of losing these documents, you should keep backups and copies off the cloud. Also, remember that documents stored off the cloud are also susceptible to other threats.
Conclusion
Higher education facilities should leverage a recovery cloud to minimize the effects of losing data stored on the cloud. This software is the same as normal cloud storage – the only difference is that it is used to save copies or backups of the original data.
Institutions should only make backups of essential data. The schools should store copies of the important documents from the cloud to reduce the threat of cyber-attacks.