Backups - If You Don't Have One Expect To Lose Your Data

Throw your computer/electronic device out the window, and then ask yourself do you want to get access to anything that was once on your device. If the answer is yes, you need a backup solution.

The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

The core recommendation involves three essential elements:
  1. Maintain at least three copies of your data
  2. Store copies on two different types of media (example: C: drive and external USB hard drive)
  3. Keep one backup copy offsite to protect against cryptoviruses introduced since 2016

Typical Implementation

  • One copy as live data on the computer/device
  • One copy on locally attached hard drive or NAS
  • One copy with online backup services (Online backup, iDrive, Carbonite)

Photo Backup Recommendations

For Mac-only environments, iCloud Photos is suggested, though upgraded storage typically requires payment. For broader coverage, Google Photos is recommended for its cloud-based functionality, automatic syncing, and enhanced features like search and image improvements.

Backup Requirements

Effective backups should:
  • Run automatically without manual intervention
  • Be monitored weekly, monthly, or quarterly to ensure functionality

Protection Coverage

What backups protect you against:
Event
Possible Recovery
File Deletion
Snapshots
Disk Failure
RAID
Computer Theft
Onsite Backups
Filesystem Corruption
Onsite Backups
Ransomware
Onsite Backups w/ Older Versions or offsite immutable backup
Building Fire
Offsite Backups
Flooding
Offsite Backups

What Is NOT a Backup

  • RAID arrays (0, 5, 10, etc.)
  • Simply moving data from one location to another without maintaining multiple copies

Hosted Online Backup (Windows)

Status indicators appear in the system tray:
  • Green icon: Backed up within last 5 days
  • Blue icon: Actively backing up
  • Red icon: No backup for over 5 days
Users can force backup initiation by right-clicking the icon and selecting "Do incremental file backup" (requires several minutes of online time for this option to appear).

Mac Backup Configuration

Two backups should be configured:

Time Machine

Local backup utility requiring recent date verification.

Online Backup

Secondary cloud-based backup requiring recent date verification.

Veeam Backup for External HDD

Information is accessible by hovering over the icon to view status details.

iPhone Backup Options

Online (iCloud)

  • Access via Settings | Your Name | iCloud | iCloud Backup
  • Ensure functionality is enabled
  • Connect to WiFi at home/work
  • Verify backup dates regularly (weekly/monthly)

Offline/Local (iTunes)

  • Connect phone to computer and run iTunes backup
  • Enable encryption to backup passwords and health data
  • Recommended timing: before major iOS updates, before purchasing new device, or monthly/quarterly for cautious users

What Is ALSO NOT a Backup

File synchronization systems (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box.net) marketing backup features often fail true backup requirements:
  1. Lack immutability (data can be permanently deleted within minutes)
  2. Cannot recover entire folders/drives at previous points in time (typically 30 days)
  3. Don't backup all files, skipping Downloads folders and video files

Vendor-Specific Failures

OneDrive: Free accounts lack point-in-time recovery; paid accounts require manual configuration for full folder backup

Google Drive: Not immutable; permanent deletion possible within minutes; doesn't backup all folders by default; lacks mass folder restoration to previous points in time

Dropbox: Requires paid account; point-in-time backup is an additional paid feature; doesn't backup all folders without manual configuration
Online backups serve as emergency-only third backups for cryptovirus, fire, theft, or lightning strike scenarios.

Murphy's Law

Two independent backups prevent catastrophic data loss from hardware failure, unplugged backup drives, software changes breaking backups, or human oversight. Historical experience demonstrates the necessity of redundant backup systems.
And finally…if in doubt, call. :-)