7 Data Optimization Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Data optimization is a term that has been around for quite some time. It’s the process of making sure any data you hold on your computers is secure, safe, and reliable. In turn, this means both increased productivity and less risk of a data breach.

There are many techniques you can use if you’re wondering how to optimize data. After all, hackers thrive on discovering what people don’t know and exploiting it to their advantage! But it’s as easy to forget what you shouldn’t do or which mistakes occur.

Here we look at seven common data optimization mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not Having an Automated Data Backup Strategy

Not backing your data up at regular intervals is asking for trouble. Suppose you don’t have a good backup system in place. It could mean losing your customer information.

That’s a very expensive data breach! Then it will be difficult, if not impossible, to recover from any disaster on the server or network level.

All software that handles your data and specialist data optimization tools have this feature nowadays. So there’s no excuse not to use it! The best way to avoid this problem is by setting up automatic backups every night.

Not Having a Data Retention Policy in Place

Suppose you are storing large amounts of your customers’ or employees’ sensitive data. These can include credit card numbers or social security numbers.

Then you need to make sure that you have a data retention policy, so they aren’t on file for too long. Further, make sure they aren’t stored anywhere where someone else might find them. And, in particular, managing business data under GDPR, know how long you, by law, have to keep these on record.

Make certain sensitive types of files are only accessible through secure servers. In doing so, anyone who can access them must have limited access rights.

You must also ensure that these employees know what their responsibilities are. They shouldn’t leave a file open on a screen for everyone to see.

It would help if you also considered implementing some encryption with password access. That way, suppose someone does gain access to those files. They won’t be able to read what’s inside without first decrypting the file.

Not Testing Your Backups

Making changes without first checking if they will break anything else is all too common. Make sure that before doing any system upgrades or modifications. Make sure you test everything to a high level.

For example, before upgrading your operating system, make sure there are accessible backups elsewhere. The best use case for this is the cloud. That way, if your computer fails or you lose your data, the backup is still present on the cloud.

Using Old Software

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard; old software isn’t compatible. Updating and optimizing your Mac or PC should be of the utmost priority to ensure a safe backup.

And, even if you’re a sucker for not updating software on a new device, that’s no better. Older versions of programs often contain bugs that cause problems.

That’s more true than ever when dealing with databases. So, always update your software whenever possible.

Ignoring Security Issues

Security issues are one thing, but ignoring them altogether is another. Hackers love nothing more than finding vulnerabilities in websites.

Once they are break-in, they can steal personal information, delete content, and much worse. Hackers will use whatever tools they can to exploit weaknesses in your web applications.

Are you the kind of person who uses the same password for everything? That’s another bad security issue that too many ignore. Even though most people think their passwords are safe, hackers know that they aren’t.

So, change your passwords often and keep track of them somewhere other than your head. Also, try to create unique passwords for each site you visit.

Don’t forget about two-factor authentication, either. It provides an extra layer of security should someone know your password.

Lack of Training

If you’re not well-trained, you won’t be able to use these tools effectively. If you don’t have any training at all, it could mean that you’ll end up doing something wrong. But, if you do have the training, then there’s still room for improvement.

For example, you may want to learn how to write scripts, automate tasks, and perform checks. These skills would help you save time and money, improving the system performance.

No Audit Strategy

Regular audits are important as well. If you’ve been running your website for years, it doesn’t mean that you’ve always been protecting data online. Chances are you’ve been leaking data without you knowing.

The best way to avoid this problem is by performing regular audits. By auditing your sites, you can spot potential problems early on and fix them fast.

What’s more, you can also identify areas where to improve. That way, you can improve your data optimization strategy along the way.

Fix Data Optimization Mistakes ASAP

Data optimization mistakes are all too commonplace. So following the correct procedure is essential for every business owner.

Without proper planning, you might miss out on opportunities to grow your company. You must take steps now to ensure that your data will continue to work hard for you.

Take advantage of online services like Google Drive or iCloud, and remember always to have a plan b, c, and d! That includes making sure that you have enough space available on your server. It also means backing up your files often and keeping your operating system updated.

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