After you’ve read this article, the first thing you should do is back up your computer.
Back up all your devices. Did you know that your smartphone, camera, tablet, and even game consoles are computers that all need backing up regularly?
In today’s society, privacy and data are more critical than ever as more work happens online. Gone are the days when printing a document was considered a backup. Of course, we still recommend it, but it isn’t an all-in-one solution where computers are involved.
Here are 8 benefits of backing up your computer.
1. Less Risk of Losing Valuable Data
Losing data seems like a simple reason, but it isn’t straightforward and embodies many other benefits in this article.
The last thing that should happen is data loss. And it’s not just your business where you should be concerned. Did you know that 30% of people have never backed up their devices?
It’s a sad truth that even business owners who are on-point with keeping their business data safe have lost personal data. Photos of deceased loved ones and memorable moments are the number one cause of upset in data loss.
2. GDPR and Legal Regulations
All businesses have to abide by legal legislation that is relevant to their country. More so than ever, a global climate means that the regulations in other countries imply. And GDPR is no exception.
The fines for a security breach concerning customer data can destroy a business. In some cases, it is undetected for several years.
3. You Can Travel Back in Time
Backing up data isn’t always about losing information. Sometimes, you might find you’ve made many changes to a document. And because of these changes, you can’t remember where you left off but don’t want to start from scratch. It can also apply to broken software updates.
It is one of the best methods of backup. Most software and operating systems these days have features like this built-in. Still, many don’t know how to use them and, for various reasons, may even be disabled.
It used to be that working on a computer and backing up to the cloud was the norm, but these days it’s often the other way around. The cloud allows for continuous live saves, so you can continue from where you left off if your computer crashes.
The hard drive then becomes the emergency back up if you are locked out of your account or lose internet access.
4. Improve Efficiency and Quality
More and more individuals work remotely in today’s landscape, whether from home instead of the office or running a global industry.
Keeping your documents in the cloud is a brilliant way to improve efficiency. You can share and edit documents from anywhere, and you don’t necessarily have to spend lots of money to do so.
That doesn’t mean you should keep everything online, in any case. Having three copies would entail documents secured online, documents connected to your computer network, and an extra backup drive in a third location.
5. The Data Outlives Your Computers
In a world where customer data resides on file for several years for legal reasons, you must have the most up-to-date technology where needed.
Therefore you need to make sure that you have backups in different avenues. You might hear this mentioned a lot, but it is too essential to neglect. What services you use to back your data up will depend on your company’s needs, so discussing with a specialist is a good starting point.
However, note that, as we’ve discussed, even offline systems such as a NAS unit are prone to hacking.
6. Build Trust With Your Clients and Staff
If your customers and staff know that you are taking every step to protect their data, you will generate trust. As a result, build a strong base of clients, and staff morale will be higher.
Depending on your business and what you are backing up, it is good to be open and transparent about its methods. For example, if customers know a well-respected cybersecurity firm protects your data, they will trust you implicitly. They are trusting that you are working together to keep the data safe.
7. It’s Not All About Hackers
Don’t forget your place of work is prone to hacking too. Another term for the office hack is an old fashioned robbery.
Alternatively, your premises might suffer a catastrophic fire that will destroy your computers and any of those paper backups you made previously. Backups are great for this, in that you can work from an alternative location or a new device knowing that your data is safe. You can continue to run your business.
Plus, it frees your mind from further headaches while trying to sort out your already stressful recent experience.
8. Less Stress, More Productivity
Nobody should worry about losing data. Suppose you are a company that needs the peace of mind of outsourcing backup and security facilities to a specialist company. In that case, many companies can look after the entire process on your behalf.
Suppose you are a company that trades exclusively online. In that case, it is highly unlikely that you will need a local security specialist since most work is undertaken remotely via an internet connection.
But suppose you rely on physical computer technology in the workplace, such as a shop or office. In that case, it makes sense to find someone local to assist with your security needs. That way, you can focus on business instead of acting as the gatekeeper, distracting you from your day-to-day work.
Backing up Your Computer Is Essential
When keeping data safe, the phrase “think like a criminal” stands true. What happens if that data goes missing? Or worse, what if it ends up in public hands?
You must treat your customer and company data like the top-security files it is. Data ideally should live in three completely different locations. These should be locked down in the most secure way possible so that absolutely nobody can get to them but yourself, or at least someone you trust.
Many won’t hesitate for two seconds to secure their home before leaving for work, so why would you not secure your data before leaving for home?
Now you understand the importance of backing up your computer, it’s time to get in touch with reputable backup specialists today.
