In today’s digitized world, we store most of our information digitally – on computers, smartphones or in the cloud. From private photos and videos to important documents and professional projects, our data is more vulnerable to loss than ever before. Data backup, or backup, is not only an extra layer of protection against such situations, but also a step that can save us a lot of stress and money. Check out what exactly a backup is, how to do it and when it is especially necessary.
What is data backup?
Data backup is the process of backing up files that are important to us. It’s a sort of “insurance” for our information. If anything happens to our device – hardware failure, hacking attack, accidental deletion of files – we have the option to restore them from a backup. Imagine that all your photos, documents or professional projects suddenly disappear. With a backup, you can restore them without a problem.
Backup includes not only files such as documents or photos, but can also include entire operating systems or databases. Importantly, backup is not a one-time activity – to be effective, it should be done regularly, after all, we add new data every day.
Why is backup so important?
Our data is exposed to many threats that we don’t always think about on a daily basis:
- Hardware failure – Any electronic device, even the newest, can fail. Hard drives, SSDs, and even phones can stop working for various reasons, and then the data stored on them becomes inaccessible.
- Cyberattacks – Ransomware, or software that encrypts data and demands a ransom, is a growing problem. Many companies and individuals have lost their files through cyber attacks, and some have had to pay large sums to get their data back. Backup allows you to restore your files without having to pay.
- Accidental data deletion – Sometimes all it takes is one click to delete important files. Backup protects against such situations and allows you to quickly recover accidentally deleted files.
- Natural disasters – Data loss can also happen due to fire, flood or other disasters. If backups are stored in different places (e.g., in the cloud), we can be sure that even in such situations our data is safe.
Types of data backup
Data backup can be done in several ways, and choosing the right method depends on our needs and resources. Here are the most popular types of backup:
- Full backup – As the name suggests, this is a full copy of all data. This is the most complete type of backup, but it also takes up the most space. We usually create a full backup the first time we secure data, and then use other methods.
- Differential backup – In this method, only changes that have occurred since the last full backup are copied. This makes it faster and more space-efficient, but still requires a full copy to begin with.
- Incremental backup – This is the most economical type of backup, as it only saves the changes that have occurred since the last backup (regardless of the type). This is a fast and efficient method, although restoring data can be a bit more complicated, as you have to restore all changes one at a time.
- Local backup – This is the traditional method, where data is stored on physical media such as external drives, flash drives or NAS servers. This is a good option if you don’t have access to the Internet, but the media can get damaged or lost.
- Cloud backup – This is a modern and increasingly popular method where data is stored on remote servers managed by cloud providers such as Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive. The advantage of this method is that you can access your data from anywhere and it is protected from local failures.
When is data backup essential?
Data backup is crucial in many situations. Here are some examples of when it’s especially worth remembering:
- When you’re working with important data – If you’re working on projects, reports or customer data, losing it can mean serious problems. Backup protects your work from unexpected situations.
- When equipment fails – Electronic equipment, even the best, is not reliable. Disks can break down and data can be lost. Backup is like an insurance policy for your files.
- Against cyber attacks – Ransomware attacks are on the rise. By having an up-to-date backup, you don’t have to pay criminals – you can recover your files from a backup.
- When you upgrade your hardware – When you change your computer, laptop or phone, backup allows you to easily transfer your data to the new device.
- In case of accidental deletion of files – Everyone has accidentally deleted important files. Backup gives you the opportunity to quickly recover them.
How to do data backup effectively?
For backup to be effective, you need to do it regularly. It’s best to set a schedule – for example, daily, weekly or monthly – depending on how often your data changes. Here are some tips:
● Regularity – Backup must be systematic. If you are adding new data every day, a daily backup will be ideal.
● Diversity – It’s best to combine different methods – such as local backup on an external drive and cloud backup. This gives you more confidence that your data is well protected.
● Testing backups – Regularly check that the backup is working properly and that you can restore data from it. Sometimes a copy can be corrupted, so testing is key.
Backup services from ITH – ITH Cloud
If you are looking for professional data backup solutions, ITH offers advanced data protection services, including cloud backup. With ITH’s services, your data is not only safe, but also easily accessible when you need it. ITH provides full protection against data loss, allowing you to restore files to earlier versions in case of disaster or cyber-attacks. In addition, with data encryption, your files are protected from unauthorized access.
You can choose between 2 options: Cloud Computing services implemented jointly with Kru.pl, 100% owned by ITH, and a dedicated connection to the clouds for ITH Net telecom service customers.
- Planning to speed up your business processes and increase productivity? Our dedicated connections to the public cloud (implemented in cooperation with the Kru.pl platform) will provide you with direct and fast access to data, which will translate into a significant improvement in the efficiency of your business.
- And with ITH’s Data Cloud Tunnel service, you can rest assured that your data is protected at the highest level. Our proactive cyber security measures minimize the risk of incidents.
Enjoy full flexibility in your choice of solution. We offer both connections from our dedicated servers and a direct connection to your Data Center. This makes you tailor the service to your company’s individual needs.
Secure your data now before it’s too late!
Data backup is the cornerstone in protecting against information loss. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student or casual computer user, regular backups will help you avoid the stress of losing valuable data. Local and cloud backup are great complementary methods to increase the security of your files. Remember – failures and attacks can happen at any time, so it makes sense to secure your data now! ITH Security’s backup service offer is available here.