Data is one of the most important commodities nowadays, and everyone including malicious actors is continuously on the lookout for new user data that can help their algorithms perform better. Because of its huge demand in the field of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and multiple other sectors, keeping your data secure is of paramount importance.
Not only that but also you can lose your data due to multiple other factors that are beyond your control like theft and accidental damage. Around 56% of us misplace our phones and laptops at least once a month, according to a study. The easiest way to prevent any data loss is by regularly backing up your data both online and offline. For example, you can get a cloud storage subscription where you can store your data online and access it from anywhere in the world.
Keep in mind these cloud storage options need a working internet connection to download and upload your files. The faster the internet, the faster you can move files to and from your cloud storage. Consider switching to Cox Internet Plans, which offers blazing-fast speeds of up to 2 Gbps, and comes with over 4 million hotspots nationwide so you can stay connected on the go. Contact Cox customer service to learn more about pricing and availability. Once that’s sorted, you can move on to read the following backup tips to protect your data.
1. Sort out what needs backing up
There can be many things you can do on your computer and each file type is different from the other. Some people will have more Excel sheets than others, while others may have more photos and videos than documents. Regardless of the file type, consider sorting your data based on its importance. Backing up all the data regularly can be time and power-consuming, so you can reduce it to things that are essential to your workflows.
2. Set a schedule
Manually backing up data can be time-consuming because you’re adding one more thing to your to-do list daily. Also, you may forget to back it up sometimes because of human error. Setting an automated schedule circumvents all these problems and lets you get on with your life while regularly keeping your data backed up.
3. The 3-2-1 backup rule
It’s not so much a rule as a good practice that you should keep at least three copies of your data, store it on two different devices, and keep one of them at a safe offsite location.
4. Get a cloud subscription
Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular because of its unique benefits over traditional storage. You don’t need to carry your drives with you everywhere. All you need is a working internet connection and you can view and use your files stored on the cloud from anywhere. Because of increasing competition, the prices have also become competitive, and you can get a really good plan for cheap.
5. Automation
Besides setting your cloud backups to automatic, you can use any third-party software that automatically backs up your data to your offline drives. You can set a custom schedule and the frequency with which the program will back up your data.
6. Get a reliable external drive
For your offline storage, you can get any reliable storage device like an external USD, hard drive, or a portable SSD. Keep in mind that hard drives are prone to failure more than SSDs because of their mechanical nature. You can easily get something reliable and portable from the market.
7. Keep some data offline
Yes, clouds are a good storage option, but you shouldn’t rely solely on them. Consider keeping an offline copy of your data with you and updating it regularly. Although cloud storage platforms employ the best security measures, a data breach is still not out of the question. For example, the infamous iCloud hack back in 2014 affected a lot of people including a few high-profile celebrities.
8. Get a backup buddy
Just like a study partner or a work buddy, you can ask a friend to be your backup buddy. It sounds a bit comical but there’s a good reason for it. You and your friend can keep reminding each other to back up your offline data. This way you’ll be less likely to forget to update your offline backup.
9. Use technology responsibly
Just like any piece of equipment, the ultimate responsibility lies with the consumer. You have multiple options to store your data and keep it safe. While you’re using these options, make sure you minimize the occurrence of human errors. Keep your drives and devices password-secured and store them in a safe place.
10.Raise awareness in your teams and family members
It’s likely that some people in your circle may not be as tech-savvy as you and are unaware of such backup tips. But you can share your knowledge and tips with them so they can protect their data better. Another benefit of doing it this way, your friends and family will know how and where to reach your data in case of an emergency, and it won’t be lost forever.
Conclusion
To conclude, you should keep multiple backup copies including an offline one. Make sure to store them in different places. You can also use any reliable third-party software to manage your automatic offline backups and get cloud storage for instant access to your data from anywhere.
