Cyber-Safety Basics: Back up Important Files

Why should you back up important files? Because: If you don't back up your data, you run the risk of losing it. Your files could disappear due to a virus, computer crash, accidental keystroke, theft, or external disaster.

To back up your files:

• Copy critical and essential files on a daily basis and non-critical files on a weekly or monthly basis.
• CCopy files to a CD, flash drive, USB key, an external hard drive or online back-up service (for a small monthly fee), or a server provided by your ISP or a commercial vendor. Some companies offer automatic backups when you purchase their programs.
• Keep all your critical files in one place so you can easily create a duplicate copy.
• Store your backup media in a secure place away from your computer, in case of fire or theft.
• Test the capability to restore from the backup media on a monthly schedule. To ensure that your backup files are reliable, simply upload the files from the back-up media to your computer.
• On campus: Check with your department's Technical Support Coordinator (TSC) to find out if he or she runs regular backups of departmental computers.