A database failure can be catastrophic for an organisation. Not only does it pose a risk of exposing valuable information, but it can also make crucial data unavailable for an extended period of time. This situation can significantly affect business operations, potentially making a considerable part of them impossible to complete.
Luckily, not all hope is lost. Companies have many ways to prevent database failures and prepare themselves for them before they happen. Besides creating a comprehensive backup plan, they could take advantage of automated scheduling, put more emphasis on encryption, and follow all applicable regulations.
Here is a list of excellent tips to deal with a database failure and minimise its impact.
The first step in recovering from a database failure is to have a comprehensive backup plan. This way, a company can restore any data lost due to a database failure.
Such a plan should include regular backups of the entire database, as well as incremental backups of changes made since the last full backup. With the help of tools such as business continuity software from C2, businesses can make this process much more manageable.
Furthermore, the backups should be stored in a safe location, such as an offsite server, and should be regularly tested to ensure that company's employees can restore them successfully. Sometimes, it may be a good idea to keep multiple copies of critical data on different storage media and servers so that the organisation is not at risk of losing all its information in case of a hardware failure.
Updating software and hardware is crucial for preventing database failures. By frequently updating and refining the records, an organisation can avoid many problems related to data consistency. For example, it may help avoid duplicate or conflicting records, which can be very common in large databases.
If a company doesn't keep its equipment up-to-date, it can quickly find itself with outdated technology that could stop working in the middle of a business operation.
Regular updates are also helpful for identifying and fixing potential security holes. When dealing with encryption, they can also make it easier to integrate new tools, which might be necessary if an organisation has to upgrade its security level or wants to change some algorithm.
When it comes to updating records, it is best to use automated processes. This way, employees will not have to waste time manually editing the information. They can simply let the system do all the work for them and then perform additional tasks on top of it.
Automated scheduling is a feature that allows IT staff to schedule database backups for a particular time and date, which they can later change so that it suits the business. With this option, IT staff no longer have to manually create backup jobs, which is more time-consuming than you might think.
Imagine having to create backup jobs manually every single day. It would take a lot of time and effort, and mistakes are very likely to occur. Automating these tasks can save a considerable amount of time and energy and ensure database backups are always created on time. It can be especially useful for organisations with large databases that require frequent backups.
The data some companies store in their databases may include some sensitive information. This could include client, supplier and employee details. That is why it is crucial to encrypt any backup copies they have so that it will be much harder for hackers to access this data in case of a breach. Encrypting backups will make it much more difficult for someone to gain access to your data if they manage to obtain a backup copy.
Specific regulations regarding backing up and storing data may apply to the industry that a company specialises in or the country that it operates in. For example, in the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organisations to take appropriate measures to protect personal data from accidental or unauthorised destruction.
To fulfil GDPR requirements, companies have to implement measures like encryption, notifying users about security breaches and being able to trace all sensitive information. Therefore, companies have to ensure that they can recover from any type of data loss with minimal effort.
Database management systems are the core of every business. However, they can also be the source of several problems, including security vulnerabilities and data loss. For this reason, investing in a reliable database management system that protects data and prevents failures is critical.
It goes without saying that companies should choose a database management system that fits their needs. Furthermore, they should ensure that it is easy to use and understand. If an organisation needs assistance choosing a suitable database management system, it would be wise to consult with a professional team of IT specialists. Otherwise, it could end up paying more than it should for an inferior product.
In conclusion, data loss can have a severe impact on any organisation. However, the situation can become even more complicated when it comes to databases. Database failures can expose sensitive information and make essential data available to unauthorised individuals. If a company cannot recover the database in a timely manner, all operations will be affected.
Nevertheless, it is not impossible to mitigate the losses. By means of backup planning and other preparations, companies can often recover from database failures without much trouble. With that in mind, it is crucial to have a plan in place at all times to minimise the risk of an incident and reduce its impact when it happens.
Image by DANIEL DIAZ from Pixabay