The Best Type of Backup: Is There Any?

Your computer is exposed to attackers daily, fighting against potential threats to keep the data inside your system safe. All data you have housed within your computer or hard drive needs to be backed up every once in a while to assure that you can restore it. Running a VMWare backup, you'll have a copy of your most important files and information. So, what is the best way to back up data? We'll introduce you to 2020's top backup options that you can try today.

Picking and Choosing Files

For most of the options we have below, you have the option to either make a copy of your entire system or choose only specific files. However, if you're only want to save and backup specific files, make sure that you are clicking the entire file, as dragging from one place to another is not making a backup copy. You first need a copy and then a second location to create a safe backup of your data.

Creating a System Image with a Virtual Machine

For an exact copy of your entire Windows hard drive, you could use the help of VMware. It will take a snapshot copy of all the files in your system so that you can reaccess them at any time. This system is held offline and rests apart from your PC, allowing you to save your backup to one or multiple locations of your choosing. Virtual machines come with the ability to make configurations to choose the backup schedule and location that you want, helping you to tailor it to you and your data needs.

Going with a USB

You might have thought that USBs disappeared after college. What do we need those for today, anyway? Well, they are still an excellent option for storing backups, able to rest outside of the system, and away from many advanced online attacks. USBs suit for storing any kind of data, so long as the USB has enough space. To successfully back up a system with a USB, you'll just have to insert it, click and select files, drag them over, and wait. You can keep these stored in a safe place at home or office, accessing them when you need to.

Sending It to the Cloud

The cloud has created a ton of efficient options for both backup and storage. Depending on the type of cloud-based system you use, you could create reminders for automated backups or even choose multiple storage locations once the backup is finished. One of the best things about sending data to the cloud is that it is always accessible. It means that if one system crashes, you can access data and start to restore immediately from another. Some of the most popular options these days are Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. The only limitation that you will see with cloud-based services is that they are prone to attacks, though their infrastructures are rigorously encrypted and protected.

Where to Store Your Backups?

Once you have a backup ready to go, the next important step is to find where to store it. Instead of choosing only one option, it is recommended to choose several to ensure that you will always have a copy of the system if it is ever fully compromised. One expert tip is to choose one offline and one online source, where you can store data and access it at all times.

Offline

When you consider offline storage, think about USBs, CDs, and external hard drives. Once you have a backup copy of your system, you can use one of these offline options to keep a copy in your home or office. It is a great solution for systems that are regularly used for online operations, which comes with a higher probability of a data breach.

Online

There are many different online options to choose from for online backups. One of them is the cloud, and others include storage services that you can find for a monthly fee. Most of these online storage locations will cost you money, especially if they guarantee that your information will be safe. Choose an option with substantial space, adequate security, and easy access to ensure that all of your data is safe and kept away from danger.

How Often to Run Backups?

Once you have chosen your method to backup and the locations you wish to keep them, it is time to get on a schedule. It depends on the number of things you are saving and sharing data, with some needing to backup data much more than others. When creating a schedule, you should think of two things first:

1. How much sensitive data am I holding on my computer daily?

2. Where can I find space to store my backups?

You need to think of the frequency first, but backups can sometimes take up a lot of space if you choose to keep multiple and outdated copies with you for an extended period. That is why choosing multiple options with large space for running backups is vital, giving you both options and safety when storing your files.

Backup and Breathe

With the harsh online environment, it is getting more difficult to keep data safe. Business operations require collecting much user data, which, under improper management, can get into the wrong hands of criminals. Thus, every online entity must assume full responsibility for the valuable data assets of their clients.

Running a backup of your entire device or valuable files stored on it, you can ensure that all of your items are safe and sound, away from the prying eyes of hackers, cybercriminals, and fraudsters. Exposing sensitive data is not something that companies or individuals can afford these days, with the average cost spanning millions of dollars. Keeping data backed up often and in a safe place, you can avoid any potential have and breathe easier, knowing that you can restore and have all of your files to get back to business if anything is to happen.