As an aspiring Azure Data Engineer, with what I know so far, these are the steps I will take • Optimize Storage Costs by using Azure blob storage while leveraging storage tier(Hot, Cold, Archive) which will further bring the cost down • Backup Processes Automation which will enable regular backup without human input and also ensure data integrity, consistency, isolation and durability • Implement an Incremental type of backup that way only new changes will be backed up instead of the whole files in the system, which will save a lot of cost considering how cloud backup services charge.

The first method that comes to mind is cloud-based backup. However, since we are talking about critical data, this backup method should not be used without encrypting the data. Another option is if there is an existing Veeam backup in the environment, it is likely that backups are already being taken at certain intervals. Given that the data is critical, the backup frequency can be increased by reviewing the current schedule. If Veeam is not in place, I believe it can be implemented and would be more cost-effective in terms of long-term management.

1. Prioritize critical data by focusing on essential files. 2. Use cost-effective tools like budget-friendly cloud services (e.g., Backblaze) or external drives. 3. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies on two storage types with one offsite. 4. Automate backups with free tools like Veeam or Duplicati for regular schedules. 5. Encrypt and secure backups with encryption and strong access controls. 6. Test backups regularly to ensure they can be restored in emergencies. 7. Optimize storage by compressing data and focusing on essentials.

consider these steps: Automate Backups: Use automated backup solutions to schedule regular backups without manual intervention. Cloud Storage: Leverage affordable cloud storage options for off-site backups, ensuring data is safe from local failures. Incremental Backups: Implement incremental backups to save only changes since the last backup, reducing storage costs and time. Test Restores: Regularly test backup restores to ensure data can be recovered successfully when needed. Document Procedures: Maintain clear documentation of backup processes and schedules for easy reference.