Backups are crucial for protecting your important data against loss, yet many people make mistakes that put their data at risk. In this article, I’ll share some best practices to avoid the most common backup errors.
Using the same drive for backups
Backing up to the same drive as your original data isn’t really a backup at all. If that drive fails or is damaged, you lose everything. Always use a separate physical drive for backups, such as an external hard drive or network storage.
Forgetting to verify backup integrity
It’s not enough to just run backups. You need to regularly verify backup integrity to ensure your files are actually being backed up properly. Try restoring a few random files from backup to make sure the process is working.
Having only one backup copy
Relying on a single backup is risky. If anything happens to that backup, you’re out of luck. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: have at least 3 total copies of your data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy offsite.
Backing up too infrequently
Backups should be automated and run on a schedule, such as daily or weekly. Sporadic or manual backups leave big gaps in time where you could experience data loss. Set a schedule and stick to it.
Using improper storage media
Backup media like USB drives and tapes degrade over time. Use fresh media on a regular rotation, and migrate data to new media every few years. Optical discs like CDs/DVDs are very prone to failure.
Not encrypting backup data
Encrypt your backups to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access if the storage media is ever lost or stolen. Enable encryption within your backup tool if the option is available.
Forgetting to backup mobile devices
Don’t just backup your computer. Also regularly backup data from your mobile phones, tablets and any other devices. Sync them to a cloud service or your computer.
Assuming cloud backups are sufficient
Cloud backups are convenient but not foolproof. Services can fail or lose data. Maintain local redundancy too with physical media backups. Use the cloud as one backup copy.
Not testing your restore process
The worst time to test a restore is when you desperately need it to work. Regularly practice restoring files from backup to ensure your process works reliably when needed. Document steps.
By avoiding these common backup pitfalls and following best practices, you can sleep easy knowing your important data is fully protected and redundantly backed up. Test and verify backups often. With a little diligence, you can avoid backup regrets.
