When is a backup not a good backup?

In our first meeting, one of the Directors beamed at me when I asked about their data backup and security, informing me that he had backed up all the company files and information to a pen drive which he always kept with him in case anything happened to his computer.  When we started talking about the sensitivity of that data and the security applied to the device he had it backed up on, the smile started to disappear.  Further discussions about the fact that for approximately 75% of the day, both his data and his pen drive were in the same location ..... and the need for a robust and effective data backup system was starting to become apparent.

Outcomes

Virya Technologies were able to advise the company on the advantages and disadvantages of their current system, and also on ways to improve the disaster recovery potential and prevent complete destruction of their core data.  Following consultation, the company successfully implemented off-site backups of their core files, and a strict daily/weekly/monthly backup programme using inexpensive external hard disk drives, with a six-month backup being held securely by Virya Technologies off-site.

Cost to business

3x external hard disk drives: £150+VAT
2hrs labour: £120+VAT
Backup software: £100+VAT (one-off payment)
Online backups: £5+VAT per month