Data Backups
Taking steps to prevent data loss in the event of a system crash, cyberattack, or loss of access to your machine is essential.
Below are some risks associated with inadequate backup practices and best practices to mitigate them.
Risks To Avoid
Device Crash or Malfunction
Your computer can malfunction, and if that happens, you risk losing your data.
Cyberattacks for Financial Gain
Data is a critical asset that hackers often target to demand ransom. Having a backup can help you restore your data if your device is compromised by a ransomware attack (where the attacker encrypts your files) or infected with other malware that could lead to file deletion.
What To Do
Adopt Cloud Offerings for Storage
It is a best practice to save your work files on OneDrive and back up critical data to SharePoint. This ensures that your data remains secure and accessible, even if your local machine is compromised.
Organize Your Files
Storage space is limited, and keeping files you no longer need or past their retention period poses a security risk that can lead to accidental exposure. Ask yourself the following questions: “If I lost this file, would it impact my work?” and “Is this information necessary for my tasks?” Focus on retaining only critical files and those regulated by the University's File Plan. Regularly remove outdated or unnecessary files to reduce clutter and minimize the potential security risks of data exposure according to the University's procedure on disposing of records.
Cultivate a Backup Routine
Make it a habit to back up your data at least once a week. Regular backups ensure that you always have a recent copy of your data in case of an unforeseen situation.
