Your digital devices contain your most important data, from work or class projects and contact information to personal photos and music files. But what happens if your device is lost, stolen, broken or infected with a virus?
Don't leave it to chance. Back up your data regularly!
What is a Backup?
A backup is a second copy (or more) of your important digital files kept in a separate location to protect you from data loss. Backups make sure you can access your data if the original device or file is inaccessible, destroyed, or damaged. Think of it like making multiple photocopies of an important document and keeping each copy in a different place.
Where to Back up Your Data
There are a variety options you can use to back up and recover your data. Ideally, you should back up your data both in the cloud and on a separate device. Please keep work-related data backups and personal data backups separate.
Cloud-based Services
Cloud-based services are the most common and convenient way to back up your digital data. You can access your backup files on any device that has an internet connection. You can also take advantage of automatic backup options. Some software includes this service with your subscription, while others provide it for a small recurring fee. Examples of cloud backups are iCloud for Apple iOS devices or Microsoft OneDrive with Office 365.
Portable Media
External hard drives: You can easily back up your entire computer on an external hard drive that plugs into your computer. A hard drive can include huge amounts of data, making sure you have adequate storage space for all of your files. Copying information is faster and often automated with these devices.
USB flash drives: These are best for storing small quantities of files, as the amount of storage on these devices is usually limited. The flash drive itself is also small and easier to misplace or lose, so we do not recommend keeping important files on a USB drive as the primary backup.
CDs and DVDs: You can write files to CDs or DVDs but they are not the best backup option since they are known to degrade over time. Consider these storage options as a short-term rather than a long-term backup solution.
How to Safely Store Physical Backups
To be most effective, store your physical backups should in a separate, secure location from your main device. Choose an easily accessible location, since you should back up your data at least once per week. Locations for a physical backup could include a separate room in your home or office, a trusted family member's house, or a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Content modified from the National Cybersecurity Alliance.