How To Protect Backup Data?

We are used to using our computers to store files and other information there. To protect these files, we make backup copies of them. However, how to protect backup data? As a rule, cloud storage is used for this. Let’s analyze all the options for protecting your backups.

The main ways to protect backup data

Storing and ensuring the security of information is a problem for both private users and companies. However, we are rescued by the fact that today there are many programs for protecting data, including their backups. In general, there are at least three main data protection options. But how to make the right choice? We, as a rule, choose what is more familiar and understandable to us. We don’t often think about protecting files. Until, of course, it’s too late and our files are lost. Therefore, it is better to take care of the safety of important information in advance. By the way, in what cases can we lose our data?

1️⃣ First, it occurs as a result of a hardware failure. Such problems are sudden and unexpected, and recovering files from a hard drive is often difficult or impossible. Data loss is often caused by normal power surges that damage the hard drive. So it’s better to play it safe in case of hardware failures. Because experts require a lot of money to recover data from damaged hard drives. Therefore, it is much cheaper and easier to back up your data.
2️⃣ Secondly, none of the users is immune from viruses and other malicious programs, which also often lead to file damage and data loss.

Well, if protecting data backups is so important, then how to do it and where is the best place to store these copies? If you want to protect your data professionally, then at least one of the three options that we will discuss next is suitable for you. Of course, the maximum protection is when you use all three ways to protect your backup data.

Path 1: Cloud storage (“soft backup”)

Cloud storage is one of the most convenient and popular ways to store your files. This is convenient because you have access to the storage from any online device. In addition, you can always use your documents because they are stored online, so you have access to them all the time. You don’t have to worry that you forgot some important documents at home. Also, if you work with your file online, the copy is automatically updated. File synchronization allows you to always have an up-to-date copy in the cloud storage.

Despite all the advantages of cloud storage, they also have some disadvantages. So, not all users trust cloud storage because they are worried about their privacy. The fact is that confidentiality agreements with large companies (including those engaged in cloud storage services) can change quickly. Some people just don’t have time to keep up with all the updates. Also, users sometimes encounter a synchronization problem if they use several devices at once to work with files. And, of course, there is the problem of space: if you have too many files, then you will have to pay extra for additional space on the cloud.

Let’s conclude: when it comes to cybersecurity, then storing data in the cloud is the most vulnerable option. The thing is that data is transmitted over the network whenever you use it. This problem, however, has a solution: file encryption or password protection. This will make the use of cloud technologies more secure.

Path 2: Hard backup with media

We are lucky because we live in an era of rapid development of digital technologies. So, it’s hard to imagine your life without USB technology. This makes USB flash drives a reliable way to protect your backup data. But this is somewhat more complicated than storing files in cloud storage. What is the difficulty? The point is that you must personally identify each file you save. Next, you need to manually create backup media. Previously, DVDs, CDs, or even magnetic tapes were used as backup media. This allowed the system to be restored to a previous state. Today, however, we only copy the most important files this way.

So, conclusions: indeed, it is safe to store data on backup media. Why? This is because it is more difficult for scammers to steal your data. In this case, to get your files, the criminal will have to steal the backup media itself. But there is a downside: such backup media tend to deteriorate and become damaged over time.

Path 3: Backup data to a dedicated device or server

This path is suitable for users who do not like cloud storage. To do this, you will need two computers connected to the network and special software to make regular backups of the selected files. You choose the frequency of copying yourself: it can be every month, week or even every day. If you are good at technologies, you can use your old device as a backup device. How it’s done?

🔎 First, turn on the backup device during the backup procedure.
🔎 The rest of the time your device may be offline.

As we can see, this method has advantages. The main disadvantage is the complexity of pre-configuration. However, it is worth considering that copying files to a device specially allocated for this purpose are the safest option. A hard drive is more durable than CDs or memory sticks. In addition, it will be much more difficult for a fraudster to steal a computer than, for example, a disk.

Summary:

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