Server Backups and Restores
All OIT managed servers are routinely backed up to prevent loss of data. Therefore, departments do not need to worry about backing up documents and files stored on the network drives or within any of the enterprise applications.
Desktop Backups
Faculty and staff are responsible for backing up the data on their computers on a regular basis. IT does not currently have an enterprise backup solution or enough network storage in place for full backups. Employees may consider using DVDs, CDs or external drives to create their backup. However, please ensure that these backups are completely secured at all times.
Securing Storage Media
The data stored on your computer or within your various accounts is protected by a password. However, when data is burned to a CD or stored on an external drive, password protection is often not applied. Therefore the contents of that media are available to anyone who has access to that media. It is imperative that all backup media is secured. There are a number of approaches to securing this data.
- Store backup media in a locked file cabinet at all times: Although this is not the best measure, it will provide some protection for your data. Backup CD/ external drives should never be left out in the open.
- Password protect your backup media: There are ways to secure the media by providing a password. This password is locally stored and therefore can not be recovered if it is forgotten.
- Encryption: Encryption is by far the most secure option but requires a sophisticated level of knowledge to implement. Backup data can be encrypted using a variety of tools including PGP, WinZip and others.