Having a plan to back up your data is one of the most important processes to protect the data in the event of a cyber attack. Should a malware or ransomware attack occur, you can boot a saved backup and restore your data to its previous state. Some organizations might use cloud-based solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox, while others prefer to keep their backups on an external hard drive. However, to ensure total data security, your backup strategy should include multiple solutions. Show
This article will discuss how to back up your data using various methods so that you can stay ready for any situation. Using these backup solutions, you can start to create your own data backup plan tailored to your organization’s needs. One of the best backup strategies to have is the 3-2-1 rule. This means creating 3 different copies of your data to put on 2 different storage types and keeping 1 copy offsite. By doing so, you’ll be able to create a failsafe system that keeps your data safe. You can even maintain more than one offsite copy to be even safer. There are more than a few ways to achieve the 3-2-1 backup rule. Using a combination of the following strategies, you can start to create a safe and secure way to prevent data loss. 1. Use an External Hard DriveThere are two types of external drives you can buy: HDDs (hard disk drives) or SSDs (solid-state drives). HDDs are considered a legacy technology, meaning they are much older and cheaper than SSDs. SSDs have much faster copy speeds and are typically more portable, making them the better option, but at a much higher cost. There are a few ways to back up your important data with an external drive. You can do this by:
When shopping for an external hard disk, make sure the drive is compatible with your computer and has sufficient storage space to do a full operating system backup. You also want to choose a drive strictly for data backups and a separate drive for daily use. 2. Use a USB Flash DriveUSB flash drives are great portable storage solutions to store the most important files from your computer. Since USB drives are typically much smaller than external hard drives, it might be more efficient to store only the most important files or documents, rather than an entire system backup. To back up your data using a USB flash drive:
3. Use Optical MediaOptical media solutions like CDs or DVDs can be used to make a copy of your data. There are various burner solutions that allow you to copy and create an image of your files and important documents. Optical media is effective because it provides a physical backup of your data that you can keep in a safe place. However, it is important to note that this method is not foolproof and there can still be data loss if the disk is damaged or scratched. Another way to back up sensitive data with an optical disk is to use a service like Mozy or Carbonite. These services allow you to store your data in the cloud and download it onto an optical disk. Optical media is a great option if you don't have a lot of space to store a physical backup. 4. Use Cloud StorageCloud storage is a great way to create backups as an online media type. This service can store files, photos, or any other type of data. Cloud storage can be used as a primary backup or as a secondary backup. A cloud storage service will offer you a certain amount of space on their servers for a monthly fee. You can then use this space to store your backups. Most providers offer encryption services so that your data is secure while it is stored in the cloud. You can access your cloud backup from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Cloud storage makes it easy to restore your data if something happens to your computer or phone. You can use cloud storage providers such as Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, Backblaze, iDrive, and Microsoft OneDrive. Cloud storage offers several key advantages over other data backup methods, including:
5. Use an Online Backup ServiceYou can back up your data with an online backup service by encrypting your files, scheduling regular backups, and storing the backup files in a safe location. Online backup services are a great way to protect your data in case of a computer crash or theft. They offer security features like file encryption and password protection, allowing you to schedule regular backups (full and incremental backups), so you don't have to worry about losing your data. Most online backup services also allow you to store your backup files in a secure location to rest assured that your data is safe and protected. 6. Invest in a Network Attached Storage (NAS) DeviceIf you're serious about protecting your data, invest in a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. NAS is a dedicated server that provides file-level storage and sharing for your home or small business network. Unlike an external hard drive plugged into your router, a NAS is designed to be always on and connected so that you can access your data any time, from anywhere. There are many benefits to using a NAS, but the two most important are reliability and security. With a NAS, your data is stored on its dedicated server, which means it's not susceptible to the same risks as a PC or laptop. For example, if your computer crashes or is infected with malware, your data will still be safe on the NAS. NAS devices also come with a host of security features, such as password protection and encryption, that help to keep your data safe from prying eyes. Why You Should Back Up Your Data
Tips for Creating a Successful Data Backup PlanHere are some tips for creating a successful data backup or disaster recovery plan:
What are 3 ways to back up data?Three Best Ways to Back Up Your Files. External hard drive. Backing up to an external hard drive, or even a USB flash drive, is the most traditional of all backup methods. ... . Disk image. Creating a disk image is a great way to back up not only your files and folders, but also everything else on your computer. ... . Cloud backup.. What is the best way to back up computer data?An external USB hard drive is the fastest and most cost-effective way to back up your files at home.
What are some possible ways to back up your data?Copy everything to a USB stick. USB drives are cheap and easy to come by. ... . Burn it all to a CD or DVD. ... . Use an external hard drive. ... . Print out physical copies. ... . 05 Invest in a NAS device. ... . Use the Time Machine. ... . Subscribe to a backup service. ... . Back up data using cloud storage.. What methods have you used to back up network data?What server backup storage device to choose?. External Hard Drive.. NAS or SAN Devices.. Tape Drives.. USB Media (Flash, Thumb Drive). Network Storage.. Online Backup (Amazon S3, NovaBACKUP Cloud or other cloud providers). File Sharing Services (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.). |