A backup is a spare copy of your important data. It lets you recover everything after a virus, ransomware that locks your files, or in the event of theft, loss or hardware failure. At the office and at home, it is your best insurance against data loss.
The 3-2-1 rule
To make sure you never lose everything, a simple and widely recommended method comes down to three numbers:
- 3 copies of your important files (the original plus at least two backups);
- 2 different media, for example an external hard drive and a cloud service;
- 1 offsite copy, kept in another location or disconnected.
Safeonweb stresses that last point: keep enough distance between your files and your backup, and disconnect your backup drive. That way, ransomware that encrypts your computer cannot reach the copy. And if the backup sits in the same place as the computer, a fire or burglary would take both.
External drive or cloud?
The two complement each other. An external hard drive keeps you in control and restores quickly, but you must remember to connect it regularly. A cloud service copies your files automatically and is reachable anywhere; it is often free up to 2 to 10 GB and paid beyond that. Check that it keeps several versions of your files, which helps against ransomware. Bear in mind that with a cloud service you do not manage the data yourself, so review the provider's terms carefully.
Using Windows Backup
On Windows, the Windows Backup app syncs your folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music) to OneDrive — 5 GB free — and also backs up your settings and installed apps. Open it by typing 'backup' in the Start menu. On a new PC, just sign in with the same Microsoft account to restore everything. Windows also offers File History as an alternative for keeping copies of your personal files.
Test your backup
A backup is only worth something if it works. Regularly test restoring a file or folder, and back up as often as you can: the more recent your last copy, the less you lose. Take five minutes today to check your backups.