Backup copy
A backup copy of your digital data is a duplicate copy of files and directories that contain them so that they can be retrieved in the event of loss.
Caution
Although this practice does not directly protect you from a fraudster’s attack, it allows you to retrieve important data if it becomes inaccessible for the following reasons:
- Erasing a file by mistake, which means that you would have to completely re-do the work
- Infection of the system by a virus, which could destroy files that would take days or even months to restore
- Unexpected hardware failure
- Theft of equipment
How can you protect yourself?
- Identify important data to be saved:
- files that you created yourself or saved
- digital photos
- favourite websites
- address books
- your software’s configuration parameters
- Classify files and subdirectories in a single directory, for example, "My documents," to make it easier to copy them
- Regularly make a backup copy of your data:
- the frequency depends on the importance and amount of data that you are willing to lose in the event of destruction
- at least one copy of all of your files
- a copy of important files after each modification
- Keep several backup copies:
- do not overwrite the previous copy, but instead, give it the same name with a new date
- you will be able to return to a previous copy if there is a problem with the current copy
- If you use disposable media, such as DVD, and you decide not to keep an old copy, ensure the secure disposal of the copy when it is no longer needed
- Consider encrypting very sensitive data and make sure you store the encryption key in a safe place (if you lose the key, you will also lose the encrypted data)
- Store the copy in a safe place, according to the level of confidentiality of the data it contains:
- a physical place other than the location of the computer
- under lock and key (filing cabinet, safety-deposit box, etc.)
