March 31st is a really important day that you should always celebrate. It’s World Backup day! Yes, the calendar has dedicated this one day to ensure you have backed up your computer’s stored files but every day should be Backup Day! On February 11, 2019, we hope you cleaned out your computer for National Clean Out Your Computer Day, now it's time to make sure your information is backed up. We encourage our clients to integrate a backup procedure into their risk management program. “What would you do if you lost everything?” the video on worldbackupday.com asks. Hopefully, you have never been in this position. Data is vitally important in most of our everyday activities at home and at work. Performing regular backups is an important step in protecting that data.
According to "Extracting Value from Chaos", an IDC Digital Universe Study, people create 1.8 zettabytes of data each year! When it comes to backup storage you may choose to use a physical drive like an external hard drive or a jump drive to store a copy of your backup. You may also choose to use cloud storage to keep your data backing up. Many cloud storage options can be set up to perform automated backups. Either way, be sure your data is encrypted to protect it from potential hacking attempts.
So what is the big deal about backing up anyway?
According to an article on The Next Web Media, in 2012, Pixar lost 90% of Toy Story 2 due to an erroneous command that was executed. A natural disaster, virus, or a lost or stolen device could also result in a loss of your files, pictures, projects, and other important data.
According to the World Backup Day website:
- 30% of people have never backed up their files
- 29% of Disasters are caused by accident
- 113 phones are lost or stolen each minute
- 1 in 10 computers are infected with a virus each month
Now is the time to take the World Backup Day pledge!
“I solemnly swear to backup my important documents and precious memories on March 31st.” If you already have backups in place and a regular backup practice, dedicate your World Backup Day to testing that plan and start sharing the awareness!
“I will also tell my friends and family about World Backup Day - friends don't let friends go without a backup.”
While you are at it, take our Cyber Hygiene Pledge:
