If ever there were a year to take part in “World Backup Day” on March 31, this is the year. Did you know computer hacks are up 330 percent since the pandemic began (FBI website)? And a December University of Maryland study documented that a hacking attack occurs every 39 seconds in America. The statistics go on and on. And those are just hackers. How about accidents, natural disasters, equipment breakdown, spills, loss, and theft? You’ve heard of “the dog ate my homework?” Well, I have a friend whose dog tried her portable external hard drive for taste. Wasn’t impressed. Neither was my friend, whose backup was destroyed.
Why Back Up Data?
What are the consequences of not backing up data? The costs of recovery—if you’re lucky enough to achieve it—can run into the thousands of dollars. So, a good backup system can save you thousands. It can also save your business. And consider that hackers target small businesses because they’re often not as secure as large corporations. So, we small-business owners are especially at risk.
Given that, why are we still so reluctant to back up our data, vital documents, and precious photos? It’s time-consuming. It took me two to three weeks to backup all my photos and documents. But consider the alternative: my life’s legacy gone in a flash. So, if your data is not yet backed up—start the process TODAY, with my help.
Unfortunately, too many people have that “So far—so good” mentality. “I’ve never had a problem. Why should I bother with a data backup?” Because past luck never guarantees future fortune—that’s why. Is it worth the risk? Your life in photos, and so much more?
What is the Best Protection Against Losing Your Data?
Backup, of course, but it requires planning, research, and money. That’s why I’m here—to help you plan your backup. Start with 3-2-1. It’s the industry standard for data backup - three copies of your data; two local (on different devices) and one on a cloud-based service. The New York Times has an excellent feature by Thorin Klosowski on data protection including 3-2-1. It’s definitely worth reading.
The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-back-up-your-computer/
This story is a goldmine of backup information. For example, Klosowski cautions that Dropbox and Google Drive are “cloud syncing services” and not intended for backup. You definitely need to read the fine print, especially about data mining and privacy issues. The story also offers Top Picks for external hard drives, portable hard drives, best Cloud, best Network attached Storage (NAS), best Online Backup, and additional “how-to” information such as how to restore your files in backup, and more.
My Personal Backup Favorites:
Cloud: FOREVER® and Carbonite. (Yes. I use two cloud backup services.) But do read the fine print to Carbonite carefully in choosing which package is right for you. The package I use backs up external hard drives and videos. I have a friend who, after a computer crash, assumed her videos were also backed up. Unfortunately, the fine print in the package she chose revealed it did not backup videos. All her videos were lost.
External Hard Drives: We are now recommending Western Digital SSD (solid state drive) versus HDD (hard disc drive). Why? HDDs are a legacy storage technology that use spinning disks to read/write data. SSDs are faster and more power efficient than HDDs. HDDs are priced lower, but SSD prices are dropping. SSDs deliver faster load times for games, applications, and movies. Because of the technology they use, SSDs are lighter and better able to withstand movement and droppage. In addition, SSDs use less energy, allowing computers to run cooler.
So, it’s critical you do your homework, or contact your photo preservation specialist. I regularly help clients get their backup systems set to go. Or talk to your computer guru—although they may not be familiar with photo backup needs. But just get your data, photos and precious documents backed up on external and cloud services. Your legacy is too precious to put it at risk, and as you’ve read, data backup and recovery is vital. Remember: All it takes is to click on one funky email, and you’re hacked.
Save your legacy. Protect your business. Save your sanity. Back up your digital assets this month.
More Data Backup and Risk Information:
From “The World Backup Day” web site: http://www.worldbackupday.com/en/
30% of people have never backed up
113 phones lost or stolen every minute
29% of disasters are caused by accident
1 in 10 computers are infected with viruses each month
Believe it or not, the FBI’s web site provides great details on Cybercrimes and risks:
The Clark School of Engineering/University of Maryland Cyber Security Study: https://eng.umd.edu/news/story/study-hackers-attack-every-39-seconds
CPA Practice Advisor backup information:
Forbes Magazine on the do's and don'ts of backing up:
The New York Times stories
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-back-up-your-computer/