Make March 31st Your Wake-Up Call: It’s World Backup Day! – 2/27/2024
What Is World Backup Day?
Every year on March 31st, we take a moment to highlight an essential but often overlooked task—backing up our data. Whether it’s priceless family photos, critical work documents, or essential financial records, losing files can be frustrating, costly, and even devastating. A solid backup plan ensures your files are protected and easily recoverable when the unexpected happens.
Why Backing Up Is Essential
Imagine turning on your computer only to find everything gone. Hard drive failures, accidental deletions, malware attacks, or even theft could leave you scrambling. Without a backup, recovering your files might be impossible—or come with a hefty price tag.
A proper backup system gives you peace of mind. If disaster strikes, you can restore your data quickly and get back to what matters most.
Common Ways Data Gets Lost
Losing files isn’t rare—it happens every day. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Hard Drive Failure – Even reliable drives wear out over time. Accidental Deletion – We’ve all deleted something we wish we hadn’t. Ransomware & Viruses – Malicious software can lock or destroy your files. Theft or Loss – Devices can be stolen or misplaced in an instant. Natural Disasters – Fires, floods, and power surges can cause permanent damage.
What Makes a Good Backup Plan?
A backup is only helpful if it’s reliable and up to date. Follow the 3-2-1 rule for maximum security:
3 copies of your data – one primary and two backups. 2 different storage types – like an external hard drive and cloud storage. 1 off-site backup – a copy stored somewhere safe outside your home.
Best Ways to Back Up Your Files
1. External Hard Drives
A quick and budget-friendly option. Simply plug in a drive and copy your important files. Many external drives come with software that automates the process.
2. Cloud Storage
Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud provide automatic backup solutions and allow you to access files from multiple devices.
3. Full System Backup
Rather than just saving files, a full system backup preserves everything, including your operating system, programs, and settings. If your system crashes, you can restore it to its previous state effortlessly.
How Often Should You Back Up?
The frequency of backups depends on how often you create or update important files:
Casual users: Weekly backups may suffice.
Small business owners, students, or professionals: Daily backups are a safer bet.
The key is consistency—set up automatic backups so you never have to worry.
Need Help Setting Up a Backup? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re unsure where to start or need to upgrade your backup system, we’re here to help. From setting up automated backups to recommending the best storage options, we’ll make sure your data stays protected.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—get your backup system in place today! Call us at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page to safeguard your data now.
What Happens to Your Data When You Die? Death is a morbid topic most of us try to avoid. Making a will and saying we prefer cremation is the extent of our advance planning. Yet, you may want to also think about what’s going to happen to your data.
Consider your digital footprint. You have photos, files, and emails on your computer and your phone. You’re also documenting your life on social media, and sharing on more than one channel.
Your wearable technology (say an Apple Watch or a Fitbit) may be recording information too. If you have a virtual assistant in your home, it’s recording your search history and saving that data on the cloud.
Yet many of us never think “what will happen to my data after I die?” Do you want it deleted? Are there digital assets you want to share? Perhaps there is tangible value attached to some of your digital assets. At the very least, some photos and videos that may have sentimental value for those who survive you. So, let’s explore advance planning you can do to protect your digital legacy.
Personal Files on Computer or Phone
Your personal devices are password protected. While necessary, this makes it more difficult for your survivors.
Now, they could physically pull the computer or phone apart if needed. But, it’s easier to have a copy of your passwords in a secure place for someone to access in the event of your death. Another option is to use a password manager. You can designate someone as your backup contact. They will be able to gain access to your passwords should you die.
Digital Media Collections
Often, when you click the “Buy” button, you’re not really purchasing that movie or music forever. Your contract with iTunes, for instance, was only for your lifetime. Your rights expire at your death.
Cloud Accounts
Consider the personal and private data you have in the cloud, such as Google or Microsoft’s Outlook. This might include calendars, emails, GPS, documents and financial information.
Google’s Inactive Account Manager lets you make plans for your account. You decide:
When Google should consider your account inactive
What it should do with your data afterwards
Whether to share account access with someone (providing email and phone number)
When or if your account should be deleted.
Microsoft won’t provide your passwords after death. However, via their Next of Kin process someone could be sent a DVD of the data in your outlook.com account.
Other cloud providers ask for proof of death and of legal right to access. In Dropbox’s case for instance, your survivors will need a court order. Even with all this, there’s no guarantee your personal data is completely removed from the cloud. It may exist in other datasets in system backups.
Social Media Accounts
Social media companies do not provide login credentials. Many require proof of identity and a death certificate to deactivate the account. Facebook and Instagram will “memorialize” your accounts. The public can’t see, but Friends or Followers can still view it and post memories. You can assign a legacy contact to look after the account or have it deleted.
You don’t want someone using your social account to send out spam or inappropriate photos. For instance, a sexy spam bot took over a New York Times media columnist’s Twitter after his 2015 death.
Plan ahead to protect your privacy and provide access where necessary. Think of the pain and heartache you can save your survivors by managing your digital legacy now.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.AcceptNoPrivacy policy
3 copies of your data – one primary and two backups.
Call us at (651) 456-8655 or visit our 
Recent Comments