Secure Backup Storage and Protection

This question asks if your vendor regularly creates backup copies of your data that can't be altered or deleted (involatile), follows a set schedule for these backups, and keeps them somewhere safe and protected. Think of it like having copies of important documents in a fireproof safe - you need regular, reliable backups that are protected from both accidents and malicious attacks.

Without proper backups, a single ransomware attack, hardware failure, or human error could destroy your business overnight. Secure, scheduled backups are your insurance policy against data loss, enabling quick recovery from disasters and maintaining business continuity. This directly affects your ability to serve customers during crises and meet regulatory requirements for data protection and availability.

Companies often create backups but store them on the same systems as the original data, making them vulnerable to the same threats. Another common mistake is having irregular backup schedules or not testing whether backups can actually be restored when needed - discovering your backups don't work during a crisis is too late.