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When thinking about a backup system the first thing to decide is how much you want to backup. Are you okay storing key documents, pictures, and files, or do you want your full system backed-up? If you’re concerned about rebuilding a full system, and having all the license information to make it functional, then you probably want a more complete backup option. If you just want to protect important files, then a system where you choose what to save would work well.
If you are looking to store copies of your important files, you can copy them to your preferred method of backup periodically. This is accomplished by selecting the folders or files you want to backup, and copying them to the storage device or media. This is made especially easy if you make a habit of organizing your important files into just a few folders, and guarantees that your tax documents, digital receipts, pictures, and other important records remain available.
If you are looking to create a more comprehensive backup, your devices likely have utilities built in that allow for easy creation of backups. These may allow you to set a complete copy of your device’s data aside that would allow you to restore it to full working order following an infection or issue. Seek out guidance or tips from your device’s vendor to determine what utilities are available to you for creating backups.
Regardless of what you want to save, one of the key ways to keep your backed-up data safe, is to disconnect the storage media after you make the backup. This is important in the event that you are infected with malware, as you do not want the copies of data to also be infected. (Ransomware does look for backups to infect.) This also helps in case your device is lost, stolen, or physically destroyed. Keeping a separate backup on a different physical storage device, or in the cloud, is a way to better secure your data from this type of problem.
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Cloud services for storing backups can be a convenient solution. Having the backup outside your immediate possession can be helpful if you are concerned about a physical problem, such as loss or damage. Some of these services save multiple versions of your backup, which better secures against infected files corrupting the cloud backup.
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External hard drives are the other most common option. You simply need to copy the data you want to save to the external hard drive. Consider keeping the external drive disconnected from your devices while not making backups, as this prevents malware getting on the backup copy.
The frequency with which you back up your data or systems is an important component of this process. Consider making your backups on a weekly basis, with a minimum frequency of monthly backups. Decide how vital the data on each of your devices is. Then, determine the best backup strategy to meet your needs.
By adding backups to your safe computing habits, you can build in more reliability and recoverability. If you are ever the victim of a malware infection or cyber attack, you will surely be glad you took the time to make backups.
For additional information on backups, please review the National Cybersecurity Alliance: Backups web page.
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