Don't lose your data: The importance of building a backup habit

We rely heavily on the data we store on our devices. However, statistics show that this carries a significant risk. While only 33% of users perform regular backups, 77% have experienced data loss at least once.

World Backup Day, which began with a Reddit post in 2011 and has evolved into a global awareness day over the years, offers an important opportunity on March 31st to build this habit. So, how can you protect your data? Here are Kaspersky's recommendations: 

Which Data Should Be Backed Up?

While it may seem tempting to back up everything to prevent data loss, this can be both expensive and unnecessary. The key is to determine which data needs to be protected. Critical data such as business documents, photos, financial information, health records, passwords, and messaging content must be stored securely.

The main risks that can lead to data loss are as follows:

Device loss or damage: Phones and computers can be stolen, lost, or malfunction. For example, on average, 5 phones are lost every day on the South Western Railway network in the UK alone.

Cyberattacks: Threats such as ransomware can encrypt your data and demand a ransom payment. However, even if the ransom is paid, access to your files is not guaranteed.

Human error: Accidentally deleted files or faulty updates can also cause serious data loss.

The 3-2-1 Rule for Effective Backups

Experts recommend the 3-2-1 rule to back up your data securely:

Create 3 copies: Store your important data in at least three different places.

Use 2 different storage media: For example, one could be an external drive and the other could be the cloud.

Keep 1 copy in an off-site location: Against a possible device failure or cyberattack, at least one backup must be in a different physical or digital environment.

Best Methods for Backing Up

When backing up, it is necessary to evaluate different options according to the data type and your needs:

Cloud Storage: Provides access to data from anywhere, but usually requires a subscription.

External Drives: Offers secure storage with a one-time payment, but carries the risk of physical loss or damage.

Password Managers: Helps to store private information and passwords securely.

Make Backing Up a Habit

Performing a one-time backup is not enough. Check the currency of your data at regular intervals and enable automatic backup settings. Building a backup habit significantly reduces the risk of data loss and prevents potential losses.

News Source: 12punto