Top 3 Myths About Data Backup

Your data is one of your business’s most valuable assets. (Really!) With each stolen record costing an average $169 to recover in 2024, your data comes with real dollar signs attached.

Yet far too many companies are still relying on outdated assumptions when it comes to protecting their digital assets. Falling for these common myths about data backup can leave you vulnerable to costly downtime, data loss, or compliance violations.

So let’s take a look at the top three data backup myths we hear—and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: “We’re good—we back up everything to an external hard drive.”

The reality

Local backups like external drives are a good start, but they’re not enough. If your office faces fire, theft, or ransomware attack, that drive could be destroyed or compromised right along with your primary systems. Worse, if it’s not being tested regularly, you might not even know if your backup is working.

The solution

Use a 3-2-1 layered backup strategy that includes off-site and cloud-based backups. These ensure you can recover quickly, even following a disaster. (Also, if you're backing up on an external drive— great! But consider getting a second drive, switching them out weekly and taking one offsite.)

Myth #2: “Our cloud apps are automatically backed up.”

The reality

Cloud providers do protect their infrastructure, but they don’t necessarily protect your data the way you might expect. If an employee accidentally deletes a file—or if ransomware encrypts your cloud data—those files may be permanently lost after a short retention window.

The solution

Use a third-party cloud backup solution designed specifically to back up platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. That way, you control the data and the recovery options.

Myth #3: “We don’t have critical data—backups aren’t a priority for us.”

The reality

Every business has data that matters, whether it’s customer information, financial records, proprietary documents, or day-to-day operational files. Losing access to that data, even temporarily, can bring your business to a standstill—or worse, cause irreparable damage to your reputation and bottom line.

The solution

Audit your data. You’ll likely find more important assets than you think. Once you know what’s critical, put a backup plan in place that matches the value of your data.

Final Thoughts

Backing up your data isn’t a be-all, end-all solution—it’s part of a broader data protection strategy and multilayered cybersecurity approach. The good news? With the right tools and planning, backups can be painless, automated, and incredibly effective.

Need help evaluating your backup strategy? Let’s talk. NOC Technology helps small and mid-size businesses in Missouri implement reliable, modern backup solutions tailored to their needs.