Most businesses will confidently say, “Yes, we have backups.” The problem is that many of those backups don’t actually work — and companies only find out when it’s already too late.
Broken backups are one of the most expensive and avoidable IT mistakes businesses make.
Why “Having Backups” Isn’t the Same as Being Protected
Having a backup solution in place does not guarantee that your data can be recovered.
In reality, backups fail quietly all the time:
- backup jobs stop running
- errors go unnoticed
- critical systems aren’t included
- data can’t be restored properly
When no one is actively monitoring or testing backups, businesses assume they’re protected — until they need to recover data.
This is where data backup and recovery becomes critical. It’s not just about storing data, but ensuring it can actually be restored.
The Real Cost of a Failed Backup
When backups fail, the impact goes far beyond lost files. In many cases, recovery takes days — or isn’t possible at all. For most organizations, the cost of downtime and data loss far exceeds the cost of doing backups properly.
Why Business Data Backups Fail So Often
Many companies rely on backups that were set up once and never revisited.
Common reasons business data backup systems fail include:
- no regular testing or verification
- backups stored only onsite
- outdated configurations
- lack of alerting when jobs fail
Without testing, a backup is just an assumption — not a safeguard.
How to Make Sure Your Backups Actually Protect Your Business
If you want to be confident that your backups will work when you need them, these steps are essential.
1. Verify That Backups Are Running Successfully
Backups should be monitored automatically. If a backup job fails and no one is alerted, that backup cannot be trusted.
✔ You should know:
- when backups run
- whether they complete successfully
- what happens when they fail
2. Test Restores on a Regular Basis
A backup that has never been tested is only an assumption.
✔ At minimum:
- restore sample files regularly
- periodically test full system restores
- confirm restored data is usable
3. Ensure Critical Systems Are Included
Many backup setups miss important systems without anyone realizing it.
✔ Confirm that backups include:
- servers and virtual machines
- cloud data (Microsoft 365, email, SharePoint)
- business-critical applications and databases
4. Use Offsite or Cloud-Based Backups
Onsite-only backups offer no protection against fire, theft, ransomware, or hardware failure.
✔ A secure backup strategy includes:
- offsite or cloud replication
- protection from ransomware encryption
- multiple recovery points
5. Define a Clear Disaster Recovery Plan
Backups alone are not enough.
You need to know how and how fast systems can be restored.
✔ A basic disaster recovery plan should define:
- recovery time expectations
- priority systems
- who is responsible during an incident
6. Review and Update Your Backup Strategy
Businesses change — IT environments should too.
✔ Backup strategies should be reviewed:
- after major system changes
- as the business grows
- at least annually
The Most Expensive Backup Is the One That Fails
Backups that don’t work give a false sense of security — and that’s what makes them so dangerous. The real mistake isn’t not having backups. It’s assuming they’ll work without ever checking.
Is Your Data Actually Recoverable?
If you’re not sure when your backups were last tested, that uncertainty alone is a warning sign. IBC provides data backup and recovery services as part of our Managed IT Services, helping businesses protect critical data and recover quickly when something goes wrong.
👉 Want to know how much downtime could really cost your business?
Use our Downtime Cost Calculator or talk to our team about backup and disaster recovery planning.
Think your backups are covered?
Let us help you verify they actually work.
