How to Properly Backup Your Data

In today’s world, there is nothing more valuable than data. It is worth more than gold, or oil. Data is the way of the future. And the future is now.

With GPRD in Europe, and PIPEDA in Canada, it is safe to say that Governments are finally starting to realize the importance of data.

At MicroAge, we have seen countless examples of business owners who have lost their entire business because they did not backup their data properly and then they were breached. And just like that, everything was taken from them.

If you don’t want to be just another victim to cybercrime, it is highly recommended that you backup all your data.

To ensure a proper backup, there are 4 things you should take into consideration:

1) Save Files to Computer

2) On-Site Backup to Secondary Device

3) Backup to the Cloud

4) Automate your backup

Save Files to Computer

This is the first, and most common step in saving documents and is done by everyone. And, usually this is where everyone tends to stop backing up, too. Whenever you save a file on your computer, you’re creating a copy of it. If your computer were to shut off by accident, the document will remain saved. However, this is not technically a backup, as it is the only copy of the save.

On-Site Backup to Secondary Device

The most important thing you can do with your files, aside from saving them to your computer is to save them to an external device. This can either be a USB drive, an external hard drive, or similar. There are plenty of devices out there you can chose from that range in all types of sizes and functionality.

Backup to the Cloud

Having an on-site backup is a great practice. By adopting this you’re creating a second copy of all your data, so incase anything happens to your computer, you’re still covered with your backup. However, what will you do if something happens to your office? What if there is a flood, or a fire? What if someone steals your device? Then you are left without anything! A great way to secure your data even further is by having a copy of everything stored in the cloud. A common misconception people seem to have about the cloud is that it is not a very safe or secure way to save your data. Perhaps when the cloud was new that were true, but today, the cloud is actually quite a safe place to store your data. So long as it is not the onlyplace you’re storing your data.

Automate Your Backup

The last, but certainly not least important practice you should adopt when it comes to your backups is to automate them. A lot of people will manually backup their data whenever they remember. Perhaps its once a day, once a week. But what will you do when you forget to backup one day and that is the day you have a problem? There are devices out there than can manage all your backups for you. All you have to do is connect them to your network, and the rest is history. You’ll never have to worry about forgetting to backup again!

As you can see, there is a lot involved with ensuring you have a proper backup at work. No longer is it safe to just save everything on your computer. You need at least 3 different locations to save to: the computer, a second device, and the cloud. And you must automate these backups to ensure you’re never forgetting to do so.

If you’re not sure about what device may be the best fit for you, or if you’re confused about how to set up these devices, MicroAge can help! Just reach out to me and I’ll gladly point you in the right direction!