Before you hire a managed services provider in Toronto (MSP) to help with your data security services, ask them these 3 key questions to make sure they provide you with a strategy tailored for enterprise data security.

Having an open discussion with your proposed supplier can be invaluable with both parties asking the right questions. In order to ensure protection of your data the following are some critical questions and points for your consideration:

1. What is your approach to data security services?

When considering a Toronto managed service provider for  data protection services, it is essential to understand their approach to data backup. A reputable MSP should prioritize the security of your enterprise data, regardless of whether it is stored on-premise or in the cloud. Here are key points to consider regarding data backup:

Robust Backup System

Ensure that your managed service provider in Toronto has a reliable backup system in place. This system should include measures for both on-premise and cloud-based data storage, providing redundancy and protection against data loss.

Offsite or Air-Gapped Backup

Verify that the backup solution is offsite or "air-gapped" from your primary data storage. This means the backup is physically separated, reducing the risk of simultaneous data loss in case of an attack or system failure.

Monitoring and Testing

The MSP should actively monitor the backup system to ensure it is functioning correctly. Regular testing of the backup is essential to verify its integrity and the ability to restore data when needed.

By asking the MSP about their approach to data backup, you can assess their commitment to enterprise data security and ensure that your critical business information is effectively protected. Remember, a robust backup system and proactive monitoring are vital components of a comprehensive data security strategy.

2. How do you handle cloud services backup?

When it comes to handling cloud services backup, it's important to ensure that your chosen MSP offers an additional layer of security for cloud solutions such as  Salesforce or  QuickBooks Online. While these cloud providers typically have their own backup systems, it is advisable to have an independent backup in place as well.

By having a separate backup solution, you reduce the risk of relying solely on the cloud provider's backup measures. Even large cloud providers can face issues or unexpected events that may lead to data loss. For instance, there have been cases where a company hosting QuickBooks for multiple firms went out of business, resulting in data loss for the affected businesses.

To mitigate such risks, discuss with your MSP their approach to cloud services backup. Ensure they have measures in place to securely back up your cloud data, providing an additional layer of protection for your business-critical information. By diversifying your backup strategy, you can minimize the potential impact of unforeseen events and maintain continuity in case of data loss or service disruptions.

3. What are your data recovery processes?

Data security services need a well-defined data recovery process. This step is crucial for promptly restoring your business operations in the event of data loss. It is important to have a dedicated team member responsible for monitoring and managing backups.

At BSWI, we have a team of dedicated professionals solely focused on managing backups. Each day, they meticulously review detailed reports from the night prior, to ensure the successful completion of all backups.

We employ a straightforward reporting system, where a green indicator represents a successful backup and a red indicator signifies an issue. In the event of an unsuccessful backup, indicated by a red marker, we immediately investigate the cause to address the issue.

We prioritize the swift resolution of backup issues because any lapse in the backup process poses a risk to our clients. Simply setting up a backup process does not guarantee flawless operation unless it is consistently monitored and tested. Our comprehensive approach at BSWI ensures that regular monitoring and testing are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the recovery process.

Asking these questions will provide insights into the capabilities and commitment of your MSP towards enterprise data security. A reputable MSP, like BSWI, will not only react to issues but proactively manage and monitor your systems to mitigate risks and ensure seamless business continuity.

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