A recent survey of 400 Irish organisations reveals that despite concerns about its reliability, organisations continue to use traditional methods, such as tape to back-up their sensitive data. The IT Force survey, conducted in conjunction with keepITsafe, found that of the data back-up methods available, tape remains the most widespread with 65% of respondents indicating this as the preferred method in their organisation.

67% of respondents mentioned that where tapes are used, they are “generally kept onsite at all times”.

Elsewhere, 15% used disk-based methods, while only 7% have switched to online data backup services. Despite the continued reliance on traditional methods such as tapes, 39 % of respondents admitted to a significant data loss incident. Worryingly, where tapes are employed only 28% “believe them to be encrypted”, meanwhile, 28% of respondents wait for two years before replacing a back-up tape. In addition, 35% did not know how often tapes should be replaced. Continue Reading