March 31st: A Timely Reminder for Data Security

As March 31st approaches, marking World Backup Day, the importance of safeguarding our digital information is coming into sharp focus. In an era dominated by digital data, from personal photos and videos to critical business documents, the risk of data loss due to system failures, cyberattacks, or simple human error is ever-present. Juan Brodersen, editor of the Technology section at Clarín, is emphasizing that creating and maintaining backups isn't just a good practice; it's a necessity for protecting valuable information (Brodersen, 2024).

But how do we ensure our backup strategies are effective in this ever-evolving technological landscape?

Understanding the Landscape of Data Storage Options

The options for backing up data have expanded dramatically over the years. While USB drives, external hard drives (HDDs), and solid-state drives (SSDs) remain popular, cloud storage has emerged as a dominant force, offering convenience and accessibility. However, relying solely on the cloud can be risky. Nicolás Wolovick, a Doctor in Computer Science from the National University of Córdoba, is suggesting that a multi-layered approach is the most secure. «For an end user, the solution is always to have several copies. You can't put all your eggs in one basket: disk or cloud. I recommend both. But the main thing is that the backup is alive, refresh it at least every 3 years» (Wolovick, 2024).

The Golden Rule: 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

The 3-2-1 rule is a cornerstone of robust data protection. It dictates:

  • 3 Copies: Maintain at least three copies of your data.
  • 2 Different Media: Store your data on at least two different types of storage media.
  • 1 Offsite Copy: Keep one copy of your data offsite.

Wolovick explains that this rule emerged from the world of digital photography, where photographers needed to protect their valuable digital assets. To illustrate, Wolovick (2024) proposes: «To put it in an example would be that we store the videos of an old camera from 2007 on our PC's hard drive (copy 1). That we also have a copy on a pendrive (copy 2) and that we also have a copy on a hard drive that is not in our house (copy 3)».

While effective, the 3-2-1 rule isn't without its limitations. As technology advances, accessing data stored on older media can become challenging. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the longevity and accessibility of your chosen storage methods.

Navigating Current Backup Options

The market offers a plethora of backup solutions, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Kingston, a leading manufacturer of memory and storage products, is advocating for the use of solid-state drives (SSDs) for backups, citing their superior data transfer speeds. Juan Ignacio Do Porto, General Manager for Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay at Kingston, is highlighting the shift towards SSDs: «There are mainly two backup media today: cloud and own offline Hardware. And within the offline, the most used medium today is still external mechanical disks (HDD)» (Do Porto, 2024). He further states that users are increasingly investing in external SSDs due to price drops and performance advantages over HDDs.

However, technological advancements can render even the most durable storage media obsolete. Wolovick advises considering three layers of prevention: connection interface, storage format, and rewriting to new support.

Choosing the Right Approach: Cloud vs. Physical Backups

Cloud backups offer convenience and accessibility, but physical backups provide an additional layer of security. Do Porto recommends a hybrid approach: «Although many people opt for backing up to the cloud, the most robust way to maintain a backup of important files is both in the cloud and physically. And if possible, have it in triplicate, two on different devices (either in the cloud or in external storage) and a physical copy in a safe location such as a vault» (Do Porto, 2024).

Establishing a Backup Routine

The frequency of backups depends on your individual needs and the importance of your data. Automating the backup process can significantly reduce the risk of data loss. Do Porto (2024) is mentioning that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to backup frequency:

«When we talk about the periodicity of the backup, there are no incorrect answers. Obviously, automating the backup is undoubtedly a very important aid that allows us to increase the level of tranquility with which we take care of our memories or important information; but how often we do it will depend on the dynamics of use of that information and the level of importance it has for the user.»

He adds that professionals or businesses may require daily backups, while individuals with less data can back up less frequently.

Conclusion: Proactive Data Protection

Ultimately, the most important step is to recognize the value of your data and take proactive measures to protect it. By implementing a robust backup strategy, such as the 3-2-1 rule, and regularly reviewing and updating your approach, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure the long-term security of your valuable information. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.