Glossary Terms
What is SaaS backup?
SaaS – or software as a service – backup means creating and storing copies of data from SaaS applications like Google Workspace, M365, and Salesforce. This guarantees the recovery of your data in the event of accidental or malicious deletion, ransomware attack, or service disruption. SaaS backup helps protect your data from risks that the app’s built-in security might miss.
Why is it important to backup SaaS data?
As more and more businesses move to cloud-based services, SaaS backups are vital to prevent data loss and ensure data resiliency and business continuity. Simply because a software provider manages the application and the infrastructure doesn’t necessarily mean that your data is automatically safe and protected.
With a strong SaaS backup, you can:
- Recover data from user errors or deletions.
- Protect against threats like ransomware and phishing.
- Meet compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
- Reduce costs from, and limit downtime.
What are the types of SaaS backup solutions?
You can choose the type of backup that best suits your SaaS data needs based on your requirements.
- Automated backups: Configure these to operate continuously, guaranteeing the constant protection of your data. Immutable storage options shield data from encryption and tampering.
- Daily backups: Include daily backups as a critical part of your data protection strategy. They shield your data from external threats like ransomware and internal issues like accidental deletions.
- Cloud-to-Cloud (C2C) backups: Secure data stored in cloud platforms like Google Workspace, M365, or Jira Software.
- Regular backups: Schedule these backups frequently, whether daily or hourly, depending on your business needs. With regular backups, your data stays up-to-date and secure at all times.
How should I choose a SaaS backup solution?
When choosing a SaaS backup solution, focus on the things that matter most to you and your organization, such as security, compliance, ease of use, and scalability. Use the following checklist to streamline your search for the right SaaS backup provider:
- Data security: Confirm encryption methods and verify compliance certifications.
- Recovery Time Objectives (RTO): Check how quickly the system restores data.
- Scalability: Ensure the solution scales with your growing data needs.
- Customer support: Opt for providers offering 24/7 support and clear service level agreements.
- Pricing structure: Understand all costs, including charges for additional storage and/or data retrieval.
How does SaaS backup work with cloud platforms and applications?
Perform regular backups
Regular backups are essential to keep your data secure and accessible in today’s fast-paced digital world.
- Schedule daily backups to protect recent changes and prevent accidental losses.
- Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep three data copies, store two on different storage media, and one offsite.
- Update your backup protocols frequently to ensure you can retrieve the latest data and minimize disruptions during unforeseen events.
Encrypt your data
Always encrypt your data during transit and storage to protect it from unauthorized access. Use strong encryption standards like AES 256-bit keys for secure storage. Ensure your SaaS backup solution complies with data protection laws such as GDPR, which mandates security measures like data encryption.
Regular backup testing
Testing backups is as crucial as creating them. Schedule regular drills to confirm your data is complete, accurate, and recoverable. These tests help you identify and fix issues before you face a real recovery situation. Check the integrity of restored files, ensure the data is up-to-date, and verify the recovery speed meets your downtime requirements.
Related Glossaries
CrashPlan provides cyber-ready data resilience and governance in a single platform for organizations whose ideas power their revenue. With its comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities for data stored on servers, on endpoint devices, and in SaaS applications, CrashPlan’s solutions are trusted by entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses of all sizes worldwide. From ransomware recovery and breaches to migrations and legal holds, CrashPlan’s suite of products ensures the safety and compliance of your data without disruption.
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