Learn the top three mistakes Internet users make when backing up data
Backup. Also known as a security copy, this term was coined a long time ago when cybercrime wasn’t as common as it is today.
A few decades ago, computers and storage devices were not as reliable as the ones we use today, and a simple slip could burn your hard drive, destroying a lot of important information.
Therefore, it was common to use CDs and USB flash drives to keep a backup copy of documents, photos, and other files that we didn't want to lose.
Today, backups remain an essential security practice in both the personal and corporate spheres since cybercrime is on the rise. For example, if you or your company fall victim to malware that hijacks all your computer files, the best option to avoid completely losing access to that data is to rely on recovering the lost records through backups.
Despite how long this practice has been underway, it is still common to find Internet users who make mistakes when creating backups. With this in mind, we have listed three mistakes you may be making when backing up data — and how to correct them!
Incorrect settings
Nowadays, we cannot consider CDs and USB flash drives as reliable media for storing backups. Our best options currently are cloud storage services. After all, anyone can store backups on remote servers and access them from anywhere thanks to cloud services.
However, a very common mistake is failure to pay attention to the correct cloud privacy and protection settings. Remember that the cloud storage provider is only responsible for keeping the service up and running. The rest is all up to you. As such, set a strong password for your account, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor the accesses granted to your folders and documents to ensure that no one else can access your backups.
Getting the regularity and scope wrong
When designing your backup strategy, it is important to pay attention to two factors: periodicity and scope.
How often will backups automatically take place? Once a week? Once a day? Every hour? Instantly? There’s no one better to define the interval than you, but it is important to ensure at least weekly backups.
Also, which files will you back up? The entire computer? Or just a folder that contains critical documents? This item should also consider the storage space required for the backups and the Internet data you are willing to spend.
Failing to back up
This isn’t even a mistake, it is a sin! With so many options available on the market, entrusting your critical documents to just one place is certainly not the best option. Don't wait to fall victim to malware or suffer a virtual accident! Choose your favorite service now and set up automatic backups by following the tips above.
Article originally written in Portuguese by Perallis Security Content Team: Conheça os três principais erros dos internautas na hora de fazer backups — Perallis Security
