Understanding the Consequences of Lost Data
Step One:
Make a list of all known containers of valuable data. Common items on this list can include:
- Cell Phones
- Mobile computing, such as laptops and tablets
- Desktop computer
- External hard drives
- Cloud Storage
Data from these devices will include documents, music, videos, pictures, and social information such as contacts and calendars.
Step Two:
Play out the scenario if you lost one or more of these documented items. What is your first step to recover data that may be lost? Visualizing this hypothetical situation can help define the what actions will be needed so you are better prepared.
Creating Redundant Data
Cloud Storage
The best way to avoid data loss is to make sure you have redundant copies of your information. The easiest way to do this is to utilize cloud storage services for your devices. For example, if you are using an Android phone you can use Google to back up contacts and pictures. For Apple phones, you should utilize the iCloud to backup contacts, documents and pictures.
Many cloud storage services offer free space:
- Amazon.com
- Apple iCloud
- Dropbox.com
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
External Hard Drives
Another great option to create redundant copies of valuable data is to use external hard drives with Windows Backup Manager or Apple's Time Machine. External drives are relatively cheap and should be reliable for up to 10 years.
Data Verification
An often overlooked step of redundant data is never verifying that the data is correct. A diligent user should check backed up data, at least annually, to make sure the backups are not just garbage. This can be a time consuming process but it provide a peace of mind and enable you to correct issues should they exist.