The Best Way To Backup Your Files

Losing files such as pictures of precious memories or business data is devastating. That is why it is critical to have a reliable backup system for your important files. How?

Every individual and organization have a high risk of losing files permanently if they don’t practice data backup. Losing important documents, personal records, and pictures and videos of memorable events can be very stressful for an individual. On the other hand, losing financial records, client histories, marketing plans, sales, and others can greatly affect an organization’s operation to the point of losing their business.

It is crucial to be cautious when handling important files. Unfortunately, there are unexpected incidents that are beyond control. Here are the most common reasons of permanently losing data if you don’t have a backup.

1. Device failure – technology is fragile. Sometimes they get damaged with no known reason. And most of the time, when the device suddenly stops working you won’t get a chance to retrieve the data inside it.
2. Natural disasters – floods, earthquakes, and house fires are just few of natural disasters that can damage belongings including computers. Which may result in permanently losing your files.  
3. Cyber-attacks – every device is at the mercy of cyber criminals. Especially if your device is not protected with a reliable anti-virus program. Ransomwares, malwares, and other cyber attackers can get through computers and erase files in just a glimpse.
4. User negligence – whether the file was deleted unintentionally or through sabotage, permanently deleting a file can’t be undone.

Be prepared for possible disasters of losing important data. Here are different methods to backup files.

1. Flash Drives – these are thumb size devices which are easy to use and bring anywhere. That is why they are the most commonly used backup method. Flash drives can be found in almost any retail stores with electronic department making them very accessible. You can buy them for as low as $20. Flash drives are good for saving documents, pictures, and videos. However, they have limited space so if you have lots of data, you’ll need more than one. In addition, they are very easy to lose because of their size, prone to getting virus when attached to an infected computer, and can be damaged
2. Hard Drives – Portable hard drives like SSD (Solid State Drives) and HDD (Hard Disk Drives) have a large storage capacity. Making them a better option than flash drives. They are available from 120GB to 30TB and often at a decent price. Like flash drives, they are compact and portable. Hard drives are also less likely to get damage than flash drives especially if you choose SSD as it has no moving parts. However, hard drives are still prone to physical failure.
3. Cloud Storage – This strategy of data backup saves your important files from device failure, natural disasters, and loss of device. Many people find cloud storage very convenient as it allows them to open the files just about anywhere. For as long as there is a computer or mobile phone, internet connection, and login details. Moreover, cloud storage allows multiple users and automatic backup so you don’t need to worry about forgetting to backup your files. Saving your files on the cloud is also cost-efficient. There many cloud storage backup services that are free. For instance: Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive. However, the free versions are limited. You can upgrade to paid account for more space. Many cloud storage services keep history of your files. So, when you accidentally delete an important file or were attacked by a virus, you can request them to restore your data from a day or few days before the attack.

So, what’s the best way to backup your files?

From what you read you’ll probably answer, cloud storage and that’s understandable. Knowing the advantages and security you’ll get from cloud storage service providers. However, the best and safest way to backup your files is to save them in three different places.

One, in a computer so you can access them easily when you need them. Two, in a cloud storage provider to ensure your precious data is safe from device failure or natural disasters. Lastly, in an external drive (flash drive or hard drive) so you can access the files even when you don’t have internet connection.

Although cloud storage is a very reliable place to store your files, we never know what the future holds. The cloud storage service provider could stop operating in the future for some reason and you may never retrieve your files from their system when that happen. Also, hackers are getting smarter and smarter. They may go through the cloud service’s security and ruin their system which may cause files deletion.

Isabella Whitmore likes to share tips about household, technology, health, and family. She works at https://electrickettlesplus.com, an appliance website that offers a wide selection of electric kettles.