This happens without warning. Suddenly, your personal data is interrupted due to a slight failure of devices, a bad virus, an electronic attack, program defect, accidental deletion or human error. It's more clear than ever Personal data weak.
As a defender of privacy and safety and editor behind the famous Cyberguy report, in which you can subscribe for free in Cyberguy.com/newsledterI have always stressed the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to data safety.
My supreme recommendation to protect your precious memories, important documents and the mountains of personal data that we accumulate are clear: using a personal drive for backup.
A woman working on a laptop. (Cyberguy “Knutsson)
Choose right backup tools
Spring is traditionally time to clean, and this must extend to digital hygiene as well. Every year, I clean a comprehensive cleaning of my personal banks, while ensuring that documents, family images and other unjustified elements are supported. There is nothing like peace of mind that comes from the presence of a physical backup, which puts control firmly in your hands, regardless of whether you are Use MacOr personal computer or even chromebook.
A man works on his laptop. (Cyberguy “Knutsson)
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One of my favorite tools for this task is a WD mobile engineWhich provides 2 terabytes of storage. It easily connects to your device via SuperSpeed USB 3.0, ensuring rapid and effective data transfer, which is completely compatible with Chromebook. A trusted drive like this is a must; I can use another WD model similar to MacBook and my computer.
A mobile engine image. (Cyberguy “Knutsson)
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Backup, separate, then store the mobile drive in a safe place
In addition to regular, regular backup either on the cloud or another tablet, I use this WD engine that is connected to Mac, PC or chromebook As an additional version of my important data that can be separated and kept in a safe place away from infiltrators and other threats.
A man works on his laptop. (Cyberguy “Knutsson)
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What for backup: digital review menu
When determining the backup copies of your computer, it is important to determine the priorities of the documents, files and important memories and cannot be dispensed with. Here is a comprehensive list to consider:
1. Personal documents: Include elements such as birth certificates, passports, social security cards, marriage certificates, will and other legal documents that may be difficult or take a long time.
2. Financial recordsThis category must cover banking data, tax declarations, investment records and other financial documents necessary to save personal records and legal compliance.
3. Pictures and videosFamily photos, videos holidays and special events such as weddings or graduation and other personal memories that cannot be re -created.
4. Work and educational documents: If you are using your computer for work or school, make sure you support important projects, research papers, presentations and relevant correspondence.
5. Email messages: Some emails may contain important information, agreements or attachments that you may need to refer to. Consider supporting or archiving important emails.
6. Communication authorities: A backup copy of the digital address can provide you with a lot of trouble if you lose access to your devices.
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7. Music and media sets: For those who collect music, movies and books digitally, support these files ensure that you do not lose your collection.
8. Software and application data: Settings and data reserves for the applications that you use frequently, especially if they help manage the schedule, financial affairs or health.
9. Web site reference: If you depend on the reference signals for the internet mobility efficiently, it can save its backup copies of time if you need to restore or switch to a new device.
10. The game saves and features: If you are a player, support for your game, personal files can prevent loss of progress if the system fails.
11. Creative works: Include writings, artworks, design files, coding projects, or any other personal or professional creative work.
A woman looks at her phone while working on the laptop. (Cyberguy “Knutsson)
Some additional steps that must be taken to keep your data safe
Adoption of the backup strategy 3-2-1: Make sure to keep three copies of your data: original copies, backup on a different device and a third version stored outside the site or in the cloud. This approach provides strong protection against data loss.
Executing dual -factor authentication (2FA): Enhancing account safety by empowerment 2FA, Additional achievement steps require just passwords, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Regular update and correction systems: Keep your operating systems and programs to update To address the weaknesses that electronic threats may be exploited.
Use the strong anti -virus programInstall a reliable solution to combat viruses to protect from Ransomwari, viruses and malignant attacks that can display your bargaining files. Get my choices for the best winners to protect the antivirus 2025 for Windows, Mac and Android & iOS devices.
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Update your passwords to improve safety: One of the most important steps in protecting your data is to update your passwords regularly to prevent unauthorized access. Here's how to do this effectively:
- Use the password manager Instead of relying on memory, use reliable Password Director You want to create and store complex passwords.
- Enabling dual -factors authentication (2FA)) -Add an additional layer of protection by requesting a secondary verification method, such as one -time code via SMS or applying authentication.
- Create a unique passwords Avoid reusing passwords through multiple accounts. Each password should range at least 12 characters and include a mixture of large, small letters, numbers and symbols.
- Check the presence of passwords at risk Use services with discovering a password breach. Some services INCLUDE Data Vapor Sclis is verified whether the stored passwords have been leaked and suggested updates.
- Change the default router and device passwords -If you still use your Wi-Fi virtual login data, smart home devices, or online accounts, immediately update them to prevent safety risks.
Get more details about my country The best password managers reviewed by experts in 2025 here.
By updating passwords along with other spring cleaning safety measures, you greatly reduce the risk of cyber threats and unauthorized access to your sensitive data.
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It can provide you with a few minutes to protect your data and devices today, hours of frustration and financial loss tomorrow. Regular backup and reliable virus programs alongside protect your digital life. Disconnect the backup engine when finished and store in a safe place – it is a small step that makes a big difference.
What is the story of your “data disaster”, and what lessons you learned about digital backup? Let's know through our writing in Cyberguy.com/contact
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