Your small business relies on computers to store customer records, financial files and other confidential information that help you run daily operations. You also can't risk a data loss or breach that could disrupt—or even end—your business.
You can use a local backup resource to duplicate a hard drive or choose a cloud-based storage solution. Local backups can allow faster recovery, but they are vulnerable to fire, theft or water damage at your premises. Cloud solutions let teams sync, share and edit documents from almost any device. Research both approaches and decide which fits your needs and budget.
Acronis — Sync data and back up Windows or Linux servers and PCs. Acronis supports incremental backups and offers network storage and local disk backup. Data is encrypted during transfer and storage, and some subscriptions include maintenance and upgrades.
Backblaze — Manage multiple accounts from a centralized console. Backblaze lets businesses back up files from external drives and offers a physical recovery option (a flash drive shipment) when needed. Pricing is per computer, billed annually.
Box — Box provides large-scale cloud storage compatible with Mac, Windows and mobile systems and integrates with Microsoft Office 365. Business plans require a minimum number of users and have file-size limits; Box focuses on file sharing and collaboration rather than server backup.
CrashPlan — CrashPlan offers automatic, continuous backups with end-to-end encryption and unlimited storage for supported plans. It supports Mac, Windows, Linux and VMware and includes activity reports, multi-user management and immediate access to updates on paid plans.
IDrive — IDrive backs up local and networked devices and supports a range of servers, including Oracle, Exchange and Linux. It offers fast data retrieval, remote management, activity reports and large storage options with sub-accounts for growing teams.
For additional protection, keep a removable hard drive or network-attached storage (NAS) device as an offline backup and encrypt sensitive files before storing them. Regularly test your backups by performing restores so you know the process works and recovery times meet your needs.
If you keep physical backups offsite or ship drives between locations, consider insuring those assets; for example, look into Storage-in-Transit (SIT) insurance and services that support moving and storing equipment like Local Trucking With Storage.
Also consider cybersecurity liability insurance to reduce financial exposure after a data breach or loss. If you're unsure which backup strategy or coverage best fits your business, please talk to an agent for guidance tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I back up my business data?
Back up as often as your business can tolerate data loss—daily is common, but mission-critical systems may need continuous or hourly backups.
Is cloud backup safer than local backup?
Cloud backups protect against on-site disasters and allow offsite access, but local backups can offer faster restores; many businesses use both for redundancy.
Should I encrypt my backups?
Yes—encrypting backups protects sensitive information during transfer and storage and helps meet customer privacy obligations.
How do I test if my backups are restorable?
Schedule periodic restore tests on sample files and, if possible, a full-system restore to confirm recovery procedures and timelines.