Hard drives fail, laptops get stolen, and ransomware happens. A solid backup strategy is what stands between an inconvenience and a disaster.

The 3-2-1 Rule

A widely recommended approach is to keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage media, with one copy stored off-site (such as in the cloud).

Cloud Backups

Cloud storage services back up your files automatically and protect you even if your device is lost, stolen, or destroyed. The trade-off is reliance on a stable internet connection and, for larger amounts of data, ongoing subscription costs.

External Drive Backups

An external hard drive gives you a fast, offline copy of your files. For the best ransomware protection, disconnect the drive when you're not actively backing up.

What to Prioritize

Documents, photos, and anything that can't be easily replaced should always be backed up first. Installed programs and system files are less urgent, since they can usually be reinstalled.

Automate It

A backup you have to remember to run manually is a backup you'll eventually forget. Most systems offer automated, scheduled backup tools — set it up once and let it run in the background.

Test Your Backups

A backup is only useful if it actually works. Periodically check that your backed-up files open correctly and are up to date.

Need help setting up reliable backups? TechFix NG can configure automated backup solutions tailored to your needs.