Have you taken the pledge?
No, not that pledge.*
This pledge: I solemnly swear to backup my important documents and precious memories on March 31.
It’s the pledge promoted for World Backup Day, which is today, March 31. It’s the special day each year to make a backup copy of your important data so that if anything happens to your computer or hard drive, you have a copy.
The concept of making a backup copy is as old as the digital computer. Every business, no matter the size, was advised to make a copy of their important data, including daily transactions, and store the copy offsite. In the early days, that meant backing data up to tape cartridges and storing them in safe deposit box. Tape can still be part of a business’ backup strategy, of course.
There was a time when the biggest potential threat to your data was a hard drive crash. In today’s totally interconnected world, however, cyberattacks and ransomware attacks are your data’s greatest threat.
For individual users, making a backup meant a stack of 5.25 or 3.5 inch floppy disks in a different room from the computer. Users were constantly being told how important it was to have a good backup, but 40 years after the original IBM PC was introduced, 21% of people have never made a backup. Coincidentally, 29% of data loss cases are caused by accidents.
And World Backup Day isn’t focused solely on traditional computers. Consider your smartphone; it’s really a powerful handheld computer with a SIM card for accessing cellular service. Did you know that 113 phones are lost or stolen every minute?
Think about the contact information, photos, and maybe even credit card information on your phone. That could be gone forever if you lose your phone and haven’t backed up.
The good news is that it’s easier than ever to backup all your data. The World Backup Day website lists several cloud-based services, including Apple’s iCloud and Microsoft’s OneDrive. (For an entertaining account of the evolution of storage, check out this ebook.) The website also mentions perhaps the most cost-effective backup option for individuals: a high-capacity USB drive.
Regardless of the method you choose for your backup, make sure you backup your data today. And remind others to do so as well. After all, real friends don't let friends go without a backup.
And if your business needs help making sure your backup strategy is in good shape, contact us for a free consultation!
*If you have taken that pledge, we’ve got your back. One day at a time.