5 common backup mistakes and how '3-2-1 rule' can be helpful

Common Backup Mistakes: In the digital era, we all have a lot of valuable data to protect. But are confident about safeguarding them from unexpected disasters or cyber threats? Before we talk about this further, here is a fact that all of you should know - 1 in 10 computers fall victim to viruses and a staggering 113 phones are stolen every minute every day. Considering this report to be true, it is very important to ensure reliable backups. 

Ahead of World Backup Day, which is celebrated on March 31, here are some common backup mistakes most of us do: 

Skipping regular backups: This is very common to forget to back up data regularly. Whether it is your personal file or crucial business documents, you can help avoid such a situation by setting up automatic backups.

Single backup device: A backup device, just like any other electronic product, can get damaged or stolen. So depending entirely on one storage device can be a dangerous game. 

Forgetting version control: Overlooking version control during backups is another mistake that people often make. If you are not keeping multiple versions of a file, chances are that you may end up saving corrupted or wrong data over previous versions. 

Ignoring off-site backup solutions: Many of us assume that local backups are foolproof and ignore off-site backup solutions. This makes our data vulnerable to site-specific disasters like fires or theft.

Not prioritizing encryption: Unencrypted backups make data vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches. If you are using strong encryption, your data will remain protected. 

Follow the 3-2-1 rule of thumb to keep important data from disappearing forever:

• 3 - Have THREE copies of your data. One is a primary backup and two are copies.
   
• 2 - Save copies of your backups on TWO different types of media or devices.
   
• 1 - ONE backup copy should be kept offsite in case of disaster.

Important things to keep in mind to protect your data

- Diversify your backup storage solutions with a combination of external HDDs, NAS, and cloud storage. Portable HDDs like those like  Western Digital's My Passport are cost-effective backups. 2-in-1 flash drives such as SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C and SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe can be good options for smartphones.

- For those who need a device to store huge amounts of data, My Book from WD(R) can be the right product.

- Establish a system that tracks changes to your files over time. It is important as this ensures that you can always revert to earlier versions if needed, helping protect against accidental data loss or corruption.  

- Using off-site backups so that if something goes wrong at one place, your data stays safe at another place.

- Use cloud storage to make remote data storage accessible via the internet.