5 Ways To Make Sure Your Data Is Safely Backed Up
1.
The most common mistake people make when backing up their data is not having the computer on.
Most remote backup solutions will allow you to select a time to start the backup process.
Most of us, myself included, start backups at night after we leave the office or go to bed.
Many of us don't want to leave the PC on all night to do a backup.
When selecting your remote backup product, make sure it can automatically turn off your computer after completing the backup process.
This will save on your electric bill...
2.
Not "telling" the remote backup software to back up specific files.
There are a lot of backup programs that will backup every little thing you have on the PC.
While that sounds nice, it can lead to a lot of files not getting the proper attention they need.
What you should do is select just the files that are worth backing up, like QuickBooks files and family pictures.
Good remote backup company techs take great care in selecting what needs to be backed up, and when it should be done.
3.
Is my backup encrypted? The most important question for many business and individuals alike is, "can someone see my data?" If you use most common backup software, the answer may surprise you.
Not all backup programs are the same; some encrypt your files at your own computer, before even getting to the internet.
Many others do not encrypt your personal files until they are at the storage server.
When you have to restore your data, some services send your sensitive data unencrypted over the internet, for anyone to see.
Make sure your remote backup solution is always encrypted, from the moment the data leaves your computer.
4.
How do I know my files are "really" backed up? This is a something that most other backup systems don't or can't do.
Why? Because a human has to do it.
At least once a month you should try to restore some files.
Also, go over the files you have chosen to back up.
You may have created new, important files, which were never added to the backup list.
There are too many times I was sure I had my files backed up, when I really did not.
5.
I want the cheapest price I can get...
period..
I'm with you, I always look for a great price, from cell phones to remote backup.
However, are we really safe with a cheap remote backup provider? Are they really going to help, or even care if my data is backed up safe to their system? Are they going to call and make sure all is okay if they see I haven't backed up my system in a day or two? The answer to that is NO! By paying a little more, you will have a better chance of them monitoring your backups like an in-house tech would do if they were at your site.
You might pay a little more for this service, but your information will be much safer.
Remember the phrase, "You get what you pay for.
"
The most common mistake people make when backing up their data is not having the computer on.
Most remote backup solutions will allow you to select a time to start the backup process.
Most of us, myself included, start backups at night after we leave the office or go to bed.
Many of us don't want to leave the PC on all night to do a backup.
When selecting your remote backup product, make sure it can automatically turn off your computer after completing the backup process.
This will save on your electric bill...
2.
Not "telling" the remote backup software to back up specific files.
There are a lot of backup programs that will backup every little thing you have on the PC.
While that sounds nice, it can lead to a lot of files not getting the proper attention they need.
What you should do is select just the files that are worth backing up, like QuickBooks files and family pictures.
Good remote backup company techs take great care in selecting what needs to be backed up, and when it should be done.
3.
Is my backup encrypted? The most important question for many business and individuals alike is, "can someone see my data?" If you use most common backup software, the answer may surprise you.
Not all backup programs are the same; some encrypt your files at your own computer, before even getting to the internet.
Many others do not encrypt your personal files until they are at the storage server.
When you have to restore your data, some services send your sensitive data unencrypted over the internet, for anyone to see.
Make sure your remote backup solution is always encrypted, from the moment the data leaves your computer.
4.
How do I know my files are "really" backed up? This is a something that most other backup systems don't or can't do.
Why? Because a human has to do it.
At least once a month you should try to restore some files.
Also, go over the files you have chosen to back up.
You may have created new, important files, which were never added to the backup list.
There are too many times I was sure I had my files backed up, when I really did not.
5.
I want the cheapest price I can get...
period..
I'm with you, I always look for a great price, from cell phones to remote backup.
However, are we really safe with a cheap remote backup provider? Are they really going to help, or even care if my data is backed up safe to their system? Are they going to call and make sure all is okay if they see I haven't backed up my system in a day or two? The answer to that is NO! By paying a little more, you will have a better chance of them monitoring your backups like an in-house tech would do if they were at your site.
You might pay a little more for this service, but your information will be much safer.
Remember the phrase, "You get what you pay for.
"
