From storage option selection to automation and regular testing, we have summarized the essential requirements of backup planning to prepare for data loss.



Data backup seems simple, but it’s easy to miss the key steps that keep your data safe and make it easy to recover. I have summarized the things that must be considered when establishing a data backup plan.

1. Set clear goals and objectives

First of all, we need to define the purpose of the data backup plan. It includes identifying important data to be backed up, how often to access the data, and deciding where to store the backup. You should also make a budget necessary for purchasing an external drive or subscribing to cloud services.

2. Choose the appropriate storage option

Choosing the right storage option is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of a backup plan. There are various options from cloud storage to external drive. For the best results, we recommend a parallel cloud and physical backup options. Because even if you lose one, you can easily recover it through the other. The advantages of each major backup medium are as follows.

• Local disk and external drive: Suitable for quick backup of small amounts of data.
• Network-combined storage (NAS): Large-capacity data can be backed up centrally.
• Cloud-based solution: It is a cost-effective off-site solution, but it relies entirely on Internet connection.

3. Set a wide range of data

The backup plan should include a wide range of data. It means that we must know the location of the data that needs to be backed up on all devices from PCs to smartphones.

The wider the backup range, such as emails, PC files, and photos, the more solid the recovery base becomes even if everything is lost in the worst situation.

4. Regular backup schedule

You need to establish a regular backup schedule every day, every week, or in real time. Even if you lose data at any time, you can recover the latest version from the backup. The important thing is to keep the schedule steadily.

A management system that can track backup operations should also be established. You should be able to record the most recent backup time and the backed-up data history.

5. Automation

Backing up everything yourself is cumbersome and difficult to maintain a regular schedule. It is desirable to automate as many parts as possible.

Many cloud services, backup programs, and even external drives provide software to automate processes. For example, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB external hard drive can set up automatic backup with the Time Machine software built into the drive.

6. Encryption

If you encrypt the data, even if it falls into the hands of an unauthorized person, the content cannot be recognized or access is blocked. Proven algorithms are applied to sensitive information, and encrypted keys must be stored separately from backups to strengthen security.

7. Regular testing and version management

In a data loss situation, you should regularly restore some or all of your data to make sure that recovery is actually possible. While checking the overall plan, you should ask yourself the question, “Is it possible to recover if you lose all the original data today?”

Some service and backup programs also provide version control functions. Because multiple versions of the data are stored in different locations, even if one version is damaged, the other version can be downloaded immediately.