Saving key files to a cloud server is a reliable way to ensure your backups are safe. But you may want to check the data is encrypted. — dpa
BERLIN: Holiday photos, work documents, smartphone backups: all kinds of important data is stored on notebooks and PCs. If the data is important to you you should back it up. Because once it’s gone, it’s gone.
"Files can disappear faster than you think. On the one hand, the hard drive can be damaged, but the danger from malware is far greater," says IT specialist Lutz Labs. Of course, there’s also the risk of your computer being lost or stolen, especially if it’s a notebook.
"There are various ways to back up your data, but by far the most important thing is to do it in the first place," says Thomas Bayer from IT service provider Adesso.
Keep the backup disk separate
Bayer says there’s one basic rule: "The storage medium should always be physically separated from the computer after the backup, because otherwise the door is open for malware." The simplest way is to store the backup on an external hard drive.
"This involves manageable costs, is quick, and such a hard drive can also be stored well in a safe place," says IT specialist Sven Schulz.
A 2.5-inch hard drive with 5 terabytes of storage costs around US$100 (RM440) and can be conveniently docked via a USB port.
The classic hard drive with a magnetic storage disk (HDD) is currently the best option, says Lutz Labs.
It’s a tried and tested technology, and magnetic storage has been proven to hold data for a very long time. However, make sure you never store one near strong magnets.
"A hard disk drive with memory chips (SSD) is faster and also more robust, but so far there is much less experience on the durability of the data," Labs says.
Cloud is hot, USB sticks are not
"For those who don't want to back up that much data, the cloud is also an option. However, backing up via the Internet connection usually takes longer and there is always a residual risk of losing data," says Schulz.
Anyone who decides in favour of cloud backups should take a close look at the server location and how the provider handles the data. If in doubt, you should encrypt your data yourself before uploading it.
According to Labs, backing up data to USB sticks should be avoided.
"A USB stick is good for temporarily backing up a file, but not a full backup," the expert advises. "The memory in USB sticks is often inferior, so the data would not really be well secured permanently.”
Backup, image or recovery
There are different types of data backup. “With a backup, all of the computer's data is backed up — images, text documents, and so on," explains Labs.
"With an image, the programs are also backed up. And the user has the option of restoring the computer from the corresponding data carrier. This is often referred to as a recovery solution," he says.
Schulz sees the solution provided by the Windows operating system as a good entry-level option, but one with weaknesses: "The big disadvantage of Windows data backup is that the tool has to be set up in a relatively cumbersome way."
Data backup from macOS is much less complicated. There are also numerous free backup programs for Windows that offer more features and convenience than Microsoft's in-house solution.
How often to backup?
If you use your computer frequently, you should back up your data weekly, or even more often. But is one backup enough?
Lutz Labs generally recommends three copies, following the backup rule 3-2-1. That means three copies on two data carriers, one of which is off-site. While the first copy can be on the computer, copies two and three should be on external USB drives.
Bayer recommends setting up an automatic backup routine, which many programs offer. "You can always back up more frequently, but a preset routine won't forget to back up in any case and will also remind the user if the computer wasn't turned on at the preset time." – dpa
