8. How To Safely Backup Your Computer Files Online

Backing up your computer files online has become an increasingly popular and convenient way to protect your data. As someone who relies on my computer for both personal and professional use, I want to make sure my files are securely backed up in case my computer crashes or is lost/stolen. Here are some tips on how to safely backup your computer files online:

Choose a Reputable Online Backup Service

The first step is selecting a trusted online backup service. Some key factors to consider when comparing services:

• Security – The service should encrypt your data both in transit and storage using high-level encryption like AES-256 bit. This prevents your data from being read if intercepted.

• Storage space – Have enough storage space for the amount of data you need to back up. Services offer anywhere from 2GB to 5TB of storage.

• File versioning – The ability to restore previous versions of a file in case you save over a file or need to recover an older copy.

• Operating system support – Backup software that integrates with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.

• Cost – Pricing varies so compare plans. Features like unlimited storage or advanced security usually cost more.

Some top-rated online backup services I recommend exploring are Backblaze, IDrive, Acronis, Carbonite, and SpiderOak ONE.

Backup Important Files and Folders

Be selective with what you backup online. While it’s great to have a full system backup, prioritize backing up your most important files first:

• Personal documents – tax returns, scans of passports/IDs, financial statements

• Photos and videos – especially those that exist digitally and not in print

• Work and school files – documents, projects, reports, emails

• Software licenses and installer files

• Financial data – accounting files, invoices, bank records

• Websites – if you develop websites, backup the code and databases

Also backup folders on your computer that store your user accounts, settings, bookmarks, etc. This will make restoring your customized settings easier if needed.

Enable Automatic Backups

One advantage of online backup services is they can automatically do scheduled backups for you without having to remember to manually backup.

During initial setup, you’ll select which folders/files to backup. After that, enabling automatic backups means:

• Continuous backups – Files are backed up in real-time whenever you modify, save, or create them. Ensures no work lost.

• Daily/weekly scheduled backups – Do regular scheduled backups to capture any new files.

• Bootable backups – System image backups to restore your full operating system and installed programs if your computer fails.

Set and forget automatic backups so you always have a current copy of your data stored safely in the cloud.

Use Encryption to Secure Your Backup

An essential step with online backup is encrypting your files before they are transmitted and stored.

Encryption translates your data into unreadable code that only authorized people can decipher with a password or key. This protects your sensitive data:

• If the backup servers/data centers are hacked or stolen from
• When files are transmitted over the internet to the backup servers
• If backup company employees access your account without authorization

Most backup services will have built-in encryption options available such as:

• AES-256 – Military-grade encryption that is virtually unhackable. This is the gold standard.

• SSL/TLS – Encrypts data during transfer only. Files stored unencrypted.

• Private key encryption – You control the private encryption key instead of the backup provider. Most secure option.

Turn on at least AES-256 encryption to prevent unauthorized access to your personal data.

Store Encryption Keys Securely

When you enable encryption, you will set an encryption key (a password or passphrase) that is needed to decrypt and restore your files.

Treat this key like a master password and store it somewhere very safe. If you lose it, you may not be able to access your backup.

• Save it in a password manager or write it down and keep it in a secure physical location.

• Give a trusted contact a copy of the key in case you are unavailable.

• Make sure the encryption key/passphrase is long and complex.

• Change the encryption key periodically for an extra layer of security.

Test Restoring Files

The point of a backup is being able to reliably restore files when needed. It’s important to test that you can actually restore from the online backup:

• Do a test restore – Download a random file you backed up and make sure it restores properly.

• Simulate data loss – Delete a file from your computer and make sure you can restore the latest version from the cloud backup.

• Test different recovery methods – Try restoring through the backup software, logging into the web portal, or contacting customer support.

• Check backup integrity – Backup services may offer features to verify backups completed properly with no corruption or missing files.

By testing, you’ll confirm your backup is working as intended and be confident you can get your files back if needed.

Have An Alternate Backup in Cold Storage

In addition to online backup, I recommend keeping a secondary backup of your most critical files on an external device not connected full-time to your network. This is known as cold storage.

If ransomware infects your computer and starts encrypting your connected drives, cold storage backups are isolated and provide protection.

Options for cold storage:

• External hard drive or USB flash drive kept disconnected in a safe/deposit box

• Burn important files to DVD/Blu-ray discs

• Store backups on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device on your local network but disconnected from the internet

• Maintain paper/print copies of essential documents

Rotate these media out periodically since they can degrade over time. Cold storage provides an extra layer of protection if your online backups were to fail or be compromised.

Conclusion

Backing up your computer online offers convenience along with peace of mind knowing your important files are secure. Just be sure to choose a trusted provider, enable encryption protection, store your keys safely, verify restores work, and maintain a cold storage backup. With the right online backup strategy, you can protect your data from loss.

Follow these tips and you can backup your system safely. Let me know if you have any other questions!