Take a moment and ponder this thought. Am I practicing keeping your data safe? How important is your saved data? If that drive where your data’s saved suddenly became corrupt or damaged and you couldn’t access your files, what would you do? If you’re like most people, you’re unconsciously tugging at your neckline or swallowing hard because the thought of losing your stored data brings butterflies. More information on eProvided data recovery.
Locked out of Encrypted Flash Drives, Headaches Ensue.
It’s within your power to safeguard all your data. In ten simple tips, here is how:
1: Backup Important Files. Keeping Your Data Safe
The best way to backup important files is to write them to a brand new USB flash drive that is only used for backup purposes. Store the flash drives in a safe place, such as a weatherproof steel storage container.
2: Organize Data, Backup Important Files
You never know when a device may show warning signs of corruption. By keeping your data organized, you can quickly and easily backup your most essential files at the first sign of trouble. Spend the extra time and money on high-speed, highly-rated storage drives.
3: Research Storage Device Data Transfer Speeds. Allows Faster Backups
Newer storage devices have faster data transfer speeds. These devices aren’t getting faster to satisfy our need for speed in a fast-paced world. The faster the data transfers, the less likely there is to be a mishap or corruption.
4: Keeping Your Data Safe, Email Yourself Backups of Key Documents
Most of the documents you create are likely less than 25 MB, which is the usual maximum file attachment size permitted via email. It’s unlikely that the Internet or your server-side inbox is going to crash! Take advantage of this dependability. Once you complete a document (or set of documents), attach them in an email and send it to yourself. This is an especially useful technique when you’re dealing with critical files you cannot afford to lose.
Pro Tip: Depending on how confidential the files are, you can also CC them to a partner or assistant for some extra safekeeping. Just remember to eyeball how much space is used on your email account and downsize as needed.
5: Use Backup Power Source. About Bad Weather or Natural Occurrences
Just because Mother Nature decides to have a bad day doesn’t mean you need to have one too. In the random event of a power outage or surge, protect your data by using a UPS, or uninterrupted power supply. A UPS will continue generating power so any in-progress file transfers can be completed or a quick backup can be performed.
6: External Hard Drive, SSD, USB Drives, MicroSD Cards, Prevent Accidental Kicks, Bends
Many office desks designed today are for a computer tower to reside on the floor near legs or feet. Make sure the plug-in point for your external device is far enough away that you won’t accidentally kick or nudge the device by something as simple as swiveling your chair. If the tower is behind a closed door, ensure the door is open and secure when using a device. A heavy desk door suddenly slamming shut can irrevocably damage both the device and the port. So many times’ people drop or move laptops with USB drives plugged into the port; avoid this and be very careful; many are bent and damaged and no longer recognized! In 2023, SSDs will be the top-selling data storage drives. While SSDs are known for their speed and reliability, they can still become damaged, broken, or corrupted. To fix dead SSD problems or recover data from a non-responsive or corrupted SSD, contact eProvided for professional SSD data recovery. We have the expertise to retrieve data from all SSD-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you encounter any problems with SSD failures or corruption.
7: Use Anti-Malware, Scan, Remove Untrusted Software
We transfer files across devices so often that it’s easy to pick up an unwanted traveler. A virus or malware can wreak havoc on any device and jeopardize your data. Regularly scan all devices for and remove untrusted software to prevent attacks.
8: Don’t Place Untrusted Files on Portable Drives, USB, External Hard Drives or SSD Drives. Avoid Virus Infection
When in doubt, don’t move it about. It’s a good rule of thumb to live by if you want to keep your data safe. Untrusted files can damage devices and make data recovery tricky. If you’re ever unsure of a file, don’t move it onto any portable storage drive.
9: Store Data on Systems with Password Protection. Prevent Theft & Attacks
You never know when something as innocent as inadvertently dropping a USB drive could land it in the hands of someone who decides to snoop. Password protection will keep your data safe and discourage theft and unwanted attacks.
10: Wipe Drives With DOD 5220-22: Keeping Your Data Safe
This is especially important when it comes to sensitive files. The DOD 5220-22 algorithm is a sanitization method for data. It will effectively prevent all software-based file recovery methods from lifting information from the drive. It will also prevent most—if not all—hardware-based recovery. In fact, ensuring your data’s safe and for your eyes only is essential to preventing attacks on your data.
Implementing these tips can save your most precious files when the unexpected transpires. Remember, preparation and organization are key to keeping your data safe. Today, microSD cards are tiny and used on millions of smartphones. Do not toss them in the trash. Furthermore, did you find yourself with a cracked or broken micro SD card? Be sure to save your files, then destroy them. Keeping your data safe is crucial.