Always have a backup plan , Don’t hoard data

Save it or lose it

Don’t wait until it’s too late – backing up your digital memories now will ensure that you have the chance to cherish them forever.

 

 

 It’s a mis­con­cep­tion that back­ing up data is a com­plex pro­cess, as there are plenty of user-friendly tools, accord­ing to david. — palo alto net­works

   

San­tam­aria recom­mends dis­con­nect­ing the backup stor­age medium from the inter­net for bet­ter secur­ity. — Folio photon­ics 

 

d’hal­luin says fig­ur­ing out what data needs to be backed up is a top pri­or­ity. — datadobi

 

With everyone logged in to the digital world and with the widespread use of smartphones, it’s surprising how little attention has gone towards preserving digital memories.

to remind everyone of its importance, it was World Backup Day on Friday, March 31, which has been celebrated since 2011.

World Backup Day originated from a Reddit post by a user lamenting the loss of content on a hard drive after having overlooked backing up its data.

if this sounds familiar, consider taking steps to keep your files safe since you never know when they could just disappear, as hardware failure is unpredictable.

Duplicating data

in short, a backup means copying data from a device to another location, be it a thumbdrive, an external hard drive or a cloud service.

But this isn’t limited to just data files, as operating systems can be backed up too so that you have a restore point in case the hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) it is installed on fails or gets corrupted.

Palo Alto Networks’ Asean system engineering head, David Rajoo, says, “Backing up your data is crucial in today’s digital age, but it’s often overlooked, especially by non-tech-savvy individuals.

“Common misconceptions include thinking that backups are time-consuming and complicated.

“however, incorporating backups into your daily routine or opting for user-friendly solutions can simplify the process.

“it’s vital to consider various storage options as hard drives can fail, resulting in data loss.

“Cloud storage is a popular option, with the added benefit of having remote access and coming with various storage plans,” he says.

Most would be familiar with cloud storage services like Google Drive, which can be used to automatically sync files on a computer or smartphone to the cloud.

there are other alternatives, like Onedrive and Dropbox, which offer free and paid plans, but Drive is one of the more generous ones, offering 15GB at no cost.

this might sound like a lot, but for those with extensive libraries of content like ripped CDS and Blu-rays, that’s definitely not going to be enough.

identifying what’s important before backing up is key, according to Carl D’halluin, chief technology officer of Datadobi.

“Failing to backup your data can have catastrophic consequences, as a single hardware failure, cyberattack, or natural disaster can wipe out all your valuable information, leaving you with no way to recover it.

“this means that years of hard work can all be lost in an instant, with no chance of retrieval.

“identifying the vital data that requires protection should be the first step in the process,” he says.

those primarily using Android smartphones can rely on Google Photos, which syncs images, and icloud for Apple devices, as it’s tightly integrated into the company’s ecosystem.

Modern Android devices also tend to have built-in support for cloud services like Google Drive and Samsung Cloud, though these are limited to files and apps and not the operating system.

those in the custom Android ROM community will be familiar with recovery firmware like TWRP that can be used to create a Nandroid backup to restore the operating system and apps to their previous states.

the same can be said for both MACOS and Windows, though Microsoft hasn’t updated its tool for a long time.

the built-in backup tool is hidden away in the control panel of Windows 10 and 11 and is specifically marked as for Windows 7, with even Microsoft recommending that users shift away from the backup tool.

Popular alternatives among enthusiasts include the free AOMEI Backupper and the paid-only Macrium, which allow users to select a drive (in this case, the one the operating system is installed on) and create a backup image periodically or on demand.

this backup can be used to restore the operating system when the need arises.

Apple’s time Machine can similarly be used to create system images of MACOS, and the process can be scheduled.

An external drive should first be plugged into the Mac and selected as the backup drive – once done, it will be exclusively used to store backups.

the backup, which can be configured in system settings, allows users to select the drives to be backed up, the backup frequency, and exclude files to save space.

Apple recommends that the backup drive have at least double the storage of the drive being backed up.

By the numbers

A popular strategy adopted by the industry is the 3-2-1 backup rule, which was brought up by David.

“When creating a backup strategy that works best for you, it’s important to prioritise which data to back up first.

“the most crucial data to prioritise are the types of data that are difficult or impossible to replace if lost, such as photos and videos of important memories, work documents, and financial data.

“Once you’ve determined which data needs to be backed up first, following the 3-2-1 backup rule is recommended.

“this rule involves having three copies of your data, with two on different media types and one stored offsite,” he says.

For instance, if you own a desktop or laptop, you should back up your data to an external drive and the cloud.

Most external drives are compact and can be had for cheap these days. if money is no object, you could invest in networkattached storage that will also give you remote access to your files, but this also requires more work.

this will ensure that you have a local copy if something goes wrong, allowing you to get your data back in the fastest possible time.

And having your data on the cloud will ensure that your data is safe should you lose both your local storage due to, say, fire or flood.

Leaving the secondary local storage (like an external drive or thumbdrive) disconnected from the internet also serves as an added security measure.

According to Steven Santamaria, CEO of Folio Photonics, a well-designed data protection strategy should look into both physical and digital security to safeguard critical data.

“the most effective data protection strategy should also incorporate a data storage platform that can be securely archived in an offsite location, with the added benefit of being taken offline for even greater security.

“this means that the storage platform is physically separated from the main network and disconnected from the internet, making it resistant to cyberattacks and other forms of data breaches,” he says.

David recommends taking the extra step of encrypting the backup data.

“Although this may seem daunting, many backup services include encryption as part of their package.

“By encrypting your backups, you can protect your data from unauthorised access in the event of theft or loss.

“Ensure your backup data is password-protected, and avoid using simple passwords or commonly guessed words.

“For cloud-based backups, consider using two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

“this involves requiring a password and a secondary authentication method, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone,” he says.

he concludes by saying that it’s also vital to ensure that the backups are virusfree by scanning the system with reputable antivirus and anti-malware software before backing up. 

By CHRISTOPHER FAM lifestyletech@thestar.com.my  

Don’t hoard data

 

The digital Cleanup day initiative is intended to get users into the habit of sorting and discarding unwanted data while being mindful of the ‘digital waste’ they are generating. — Freepik.com

Due to cloud services, people can store seemingly infinite amounts of data without worrying about using up physical space on their personal devices.

However, Estonia’s Let’s Do It Foundation wants users to think about the environmental impact of hoarding data.

Last month, it launched the Digital Cleanup Day initiative to get users into the habit of sorting and discarding unwanted data while being mindful of the “digital waste” they are producing.

According to the foundation, “This digital waste creates digital pollution that continues to consume energy even when we have forgotten it.

“Digital trash sits in the backups on servers that provide us with cloud service and continue consuming electricity.”

The International Energy Agency estimates that data centres and data transmission networks are responsible for nearly 1% of energyrelated greenhouse gas emissions.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals listed reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of a crucial measure to lessen the impact of climate change.

It raised concerns that droughts brought on by rising temperatures may displace 700 million people by 2030.

A 2020 report by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) called for the large-scale adoption of environmentally responsible online behaviour, which it said was vital for “combating climate change and promoting sustainability”.

Habits it recommends include deleting non-essential content on cloud services or when the data is no longer needed.

Users should also optimise their cloud storage by identifying and deleting duplicate content – most cloud services either offer tools for this or do it automatically.

On devices like the iphone, the Photos app can be used to find duplicate images and videos.

Tapping on Albums and clicking on Duplicates under Utilities will show the similar files next to each other. This feature is available in IOS 16.

There is also an option to merge duplicates. According to Apple, “merging combines the highest quality version and all the relevant data across the duplicates, and this version will remain in the library”. The remaining duplicates will be put into the Recently Deleted album.

On Android, the Files By Google app has a Clean feature that will scan the phone and recommend content to delete, including large files, old screenshots and downloaded data.

Alternatively, users can archive information on external drives, which don’t run on electricity.

If deletion is not an option, the files can be compressed to save space. Popular tools on the market include Winzip and WINRAR, which allow files to be compressed, although they are better at shrinking the size of some files than others.

The files can also be password protected for additional security. Do note that the compression employed by these apps won’t result in a loss of quality for photos or videos.

Another aspect that users should consider is the carbon footprint of emails.

Statistics on The Carbon Literacy Project show that actions like sending a short email from the phone generate 0.2g of CO2, while taking 10 minutes to send out an email to 100 people is responsible for 26g of CO2.

According to the Let’s Do It Foundation, 281 billion emails are sent out each day, taking an average person three hours a day to refresh, read and reply to work messages.

The foundation felt that it was necessary to limit the ineffective practice of organising work through emails.

To avoid accumulating email messages, it’s best to unsubscribe from irrelevant mailing lists or mark unwanted emails as spam so they get deleted after a set period.

Let’s Do It also recommends that users clean up their Inbox by searching for common names or addresses to round up similar messages and delete them, while only keeping the latest.

Six simple steps to defend your data from ransomware

Ransomware blackmails Internet users by encrypting the files on their computer or mobile device and demanding payment, generally in the virtual currency bitcoin, to unlock them. — dpa

Recent ransomware attacks have rattled internet users around the world. This malicious software blackmails users by encrypting the files on their computer or mobile device and demanding payment, generally in the virtual currency bitcoin, to unlock them. But these six simple security measures can significantly reduce the risk of a computer being hit by an attack.

1. Regular updates: Software updates for browsers and operating systems don't just add new functions – they also install security patches to protect computers against the latest malicious software.

The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends enabling automatic updates on a device and advises against the use of older operating systems such as Windows XP, for which Microsoft has stopped providing regular security updates.

Microsoft will also discontinue updates for the operating system's successor, Windows Vista, this summer – all the more reason to replace it with a newer version.

2. Be vigilant: Don't trust anyone, says nomoreransom.org, a website run by IT security companies and European law enforcement. Never open email attachments from suspicious accounts, don't click on questionable links and don't download unverified software.

Even emails from friends and co-workers should not necessarily be trusted. Before opening an attachment or clicking on a link, always take time to consider whether the sender's online account could have been hacked or their computer software infiltrated by malicious software.

3. Antivirus software: Enable all the security applications in your operating system, advises the BSI. Reliable antivirus software can provide further protection, but must be kept up-to-date.

4. Back up data: Creating digital duplicates of your files can protect your personal information from disappearing forever. In the event of an attack, you can just transfer over your back-up files.

Windows (Backup and Restore) and MacOS (Time Machine) have in-built applications for backing up your data, but they might not be accessible in the event of an attack. A more secure option would be to save your files in an external device, such as a hard disk drive, solid-state drive, DVD, or in the cloud.

To reduce the risk of spreading viruses, only connect the external drive to a device during file transfers. As an extra precaution, save your data in two separate external hard drives.

5. Fight back: If you happen to accidentally install malicious software or receive suspicious messages, immediately disconnect your device from the internet, instructs  nomoreransom.org. to be decrypted. This will prevent the infection from spreading.

You can then run a clean installation of your computer software, and transfer over your back-up files. For some types of ransomware, there are techniques to unlock the content on your computer.

The latest malware outbreak "Petya" can be stopped by creating the read-only filetype "C:\Windows\perfc.dat," which prevents it from scrambling your files. An initial report on the antidote published on the site bleepingcomputer.com has since been confirm by several IT security companies.

6. Never pay: A blackmailer's demands should never be met, says the State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA) of Lower Saxony. There are several reasons for this, the LKA reports. First, even if you pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that you will regain access to your files.

Second, by paying the attacker, you are supporting the growth of a criminal industry. Every payment finances new attacks. In the case of the recent Petya outbreak, the payment system is useless, because only one email address was provided, which has since been shut down by the provider. — dpa

Related Links

Six simple steps to protect your data from ransomware

Six simple methods to save your information from ransomware http://www.techagentmedia.com/six-simple-methods-save-information-ransomware/ via @techagentmedia


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Cloud storage for personal files made safe

 

Utilise various services: As different Cloud services are suited to different types of files, it makes sense to spread your files out over several different Cloud storage providers. — Illustrations: MUHAMMAD HAFEEZ AMINUDDIN/The Star

Find the best space for your personal files on the Cloud.

In the movie Creed, Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa character looks baffled when a young boxer snaps a picture of a handwritten exercise regime with his smartphone instead of just keeping the paper.

Balboa gets even more confused and looks skywards when the young boxer tells him it’s stored on the Cloud so that the information won’t be lost even if he loses his handphone.

It’s hard to deny the rising importance of Cloud computing in our daily lives, as most of the content, services, apps, and even enterprise systems today reside on the Cloud.

Most of us are probably aware of or have used services such as Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive.

These services, also known as public Cloud, requires little effort from you other than having to sign up for them.

Most are free and offer up to 15GB of space – if that’s not enough you can subscribe for a nominal sum to bump up storage space.

As these services are mostly operated by tech giants, you don’t have to worry about any of the technical stuff, but on the flipside, you don’t have much control over it.

If you wish to create your own Cloud, it’s now easier than ever as the price of devices and components ­needed to set up such a service have fallen a lot.

Also known as private Cloud, it allows you to keep your files within your own servers and manage them as you see fit.

It takes a bit of investment and know how – our accompanying story will help you decide if you should go for public or private Cloud.

Here we will explore the best public Cloud services so that you can pick one (or two or three) that meets your needs best.

Free and easy

Almost all the public Cloud offerings have a free option – they differ mostly in the size or additional services offered.

Our pick for the best free Cloud service is Google Drive, as you get 15GB without having to spend a single sen.

More importantly, Google has tied Drive to its online services such as Gmail, Photos and Keep, as well as ­productivity tools like Docs, Sheets and Slides.

So all your photos and documents will be synced automatically and will be available from one place.

If 15GB option is too limiting then you can opt to subscribe. For US$1.99 (RM8) a month, you get 100GB of ­additional space.

If you just want sheer volume then try out Mega which offers a whopping 50GB of space for free.

It doesn’t set a limit on file size like most of the other services, but we found the data transfer speed to be a bit slow.

Space for shutterbugs

It goes without saying digital cameras and smartphones in particular have made it easier than ever for everyone to shoot photos.

The real problem, however, is in managing your photos and finding a place to store them.

Most back them up to a desktop or laptop and while it’s better than not backing up at all, is not a good solution as all hard drives have a finite lifespan.

If you don’t have redundancy then you need to find a better solution in the Cloud and we recommend Flickr.

It gets our vote because it offers 1TB of space for free, which should meet the requirements of most users.

Photo size is capped at 200MB while video at 1GB for a single file which is reasonable.

It also has smart photo management which will automatically sort out ­images according to groups such as animals, people and buildings.

Free users will, however, see ads and will not be able to access the ­desktop app for uploading photos.

Like most services, it doesn’t support the uncompressed RAW file format which is preferred by photographers who use DSLRs.

If you like keeping your file as RAW, you will need a service like Amazon Cloud Drive which allows you to upload an unlimited number of ­photos, including RAW files.

Its Unlimited Photos plan will cost you US$11.99 (RM50) a year which is not too bad as RAW files take up a lot of space.

The unlimited offer doesn’t extend to other files, including video – for these files you are limited to only 5GB.

If you need to find space for your videos then you will have to opt for the more expensive plan called Unlimited Everything which costs US$59.99 (RM240) a year. This service, while expensive, lets you upload to your heart’s content.

Cross platform

Nowadays it’s not uncommon to own multiple devices running on different platforms.

If you have, say a MacBook Air for work, Windows PC at home and Android smartphone, you need a Cloud service that supports as many platforms as possible.

While the dominant operating systems – Windows, OS X, Android and iOS are usually supported, other operating systems such as Windows Phone and Linux are often overlooked.

Thankfully Dropbox doesn’t do that – it supports almost every platform, including the ones mentioned above. If you want an alternative, try Box, as it also works on many platforms except Linux.

By Lee Kah Leng The Star

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