Archives - Backup

Create multiple copies of your most important data

You don’t want a system crash to destroy all of your important documents and photos. Maintain redundant backups of your data across different media types. Use cloud-based backup as well as external HDDs or even DVDs and thumb drives.

Don’t put all of your critical information in one location

If you have a lot of photos, videos, documents and apps that you would never want to lose track of, it’s a bad idea to keep them all on one local system, like a PC or phone that hasn’t been backed up. Try to maintain multiple copies across different locations, using cloud backup solutions and/or […]

Be mindful of the lifespan of hard disk drives

If you use an external HDD for backup, be aware that it won’t last forever. HDD failure rates rise sharply in the fourth year and beyond, so if you’re wary of losing a key backup, make sure to have other drives in the mix and/or use a cloud-based backup solution.

Backup regularly to reduce the risk of ransomware

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous cybersecurity threats because its damage is so hard to roll back; you end up having to choose between paying a ransom that won’t even guarantee safe return of your data, or possibly losing that information forever. Local or cloud-based backup can help by giving you full, restorable copies […]

Handle external hard drives with care

External HDDs are useful parts of a backup strategy, even if you also use a cloud-based solution. When using one, make sure to keep it in a safe place where it won’t fall or get buried under other objects. Consider transferring its contents to other media after 4 years, when the risk of drive failure […]

Follow the 3-2-1 rule for backups

The 3-2-1 rule is a great general framework for backing up your data: Have at least 3 total copies of your data backed up. Ensure 2 of them are local but are on different media (e.g., external hard drives or SD cards). Keep 1 offsite, likely in a cloud-based backup service.