A Quick Guide to Backing Up Your Data

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There are countless ways your data can be compromised. Most of us know it’s wise to install anti-spam and anti-virus software to protect against attacks, but are we prepared for the worst?

If your data isn’t backed up, it could disappear forever – and there’s very little you can do about it after the event. MailCleaner have come up with this quick guide to backing up your data, so that this never happens to you.

The importance of data backup

We know deep down that we should backup our data, yet most of us don’t do it. Why? Because it takes time and effort. It is worth it, though – you’ll thank yourself when you avoid the all-consuming panic of thinking you’ve lost everything. Whether it’s photos of your children, an important work presentation, or a whole term’s worth of coursework, you have data on your device(s) that’s far too valuable to lose. Backing it up will help you make sure that your hard work and cherished memories are always safe and sound.

Scenarios in which data backups come in handy include:

  • Device(s) getting stolen or damaged
  • Hard disk failing
  • Device(s) getting infected with ransomware, which encrypts your files and threatens to delete them if you don’t pay a ransom – if you know your files are backed up, they’ll have no leverage over you

How to backup your data

There are many backup methods, each with pros and cons. Cloud storage boasts several advantages that local storage cannot; for instance, if there was a flood or fire in your home, a local storage device would likely get ruined, whereas you’d still be able to access cloud storage. That said, having both cloud and local storage is a great option – it can’t hurt to have multiple backups, should either one and/or the original device fail.

Also, while having physical copies of important documents may seem outdated, it can be useful in the event of a tech disaster.

App data is one of the more difficult things to backup, because it changes so regularly. If you rely a lot on applications, it’s a good idea to have an automated backup solution which backs up at least once a day.

We recommend considering these options for all your backup needs:

  • USB stick
  • External hard drive
  • Network Attached Storage
  • Cloud storage
  • Physical copies
  • CD or DVD storage

MailCleaner is here to help you protect your business’ devices from harmful files or messages – especially those that could compromise your data. Whether you want a shared or virtual cloud-based anti-spam solution (with built-in virus protection), we’re the company for you. Get in touch today to discuss your options and let us keep you and your data safe online.