Data loss has happened to all of us. Be it an accidentally deleted picture on a smartphone or a virus corrupting a computer hard drive, the impact of data loss can range from a mild annoyance to an unrecoverable nightmare (just ask any historian about the Great Library of Alexandria and watch the tears being fought back).

What is the best solution to avoid data loss catastrophe? The simple answer is: backup, backup, and backups for your backups. Below, we have listed some of the best and most popular options for data loss prevention to get you started:

Secondary Hard Drives – a second (or more) hard drive on your computer is useful for additional data storage and as a handy backup – especially during project work. The biggest downside to be aware of would be the shared susceptibility to a threat to your overall computing device.

External Hard Drives – the answer to the hazard mentioned above, external hard drives not only segregate your data from direct threats made to your computer but also provide the extra convenience of portability and high storage capacities. On the other hand, like your computer, they run the risk against power surges and malware with the added threat of loss or damage (especially during travel).

USB Flash Drives – cheaper, more portable (just count how many people you know that have one on their keychain), and far more convenient than external hard drives, USB flash drives represent the simplest solution for data backup on a broader spectrum. Directly congruent with their greatest asset, portability, is their greatest liability – they are very easy to lose and thus serve as poor options for dedicated backup.

Optical Disc Data Storage – once the optimal method of data loss prevention, the utilization of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays has begun to diminish in recent years thanks to the growth cloud services, USB drives, and (in the case of media) streaming services. Although they are more prone to physical damage, if taken care of properly their longevity can prove to be a distinct advantage (as long as one has access to an appropriate disc reader) without the threat of drive failure.

Cloud Services – the modern option for many, cloud services (e.g. iCloud; Dropbox; OneDrive) are favorable for a varied number of reasons: they can be setup to automatically backup data across many of your devices; they can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection; and, they’re not prone to physical issues. For each benefit, however, there are corresponding concerns to be aware of: limited data capacities; emergency access without an internet connection; and, security risks or leaks (a.k.a. a celebrity’s greatest fear).

Online Backup Services–a pricier yet reassuring option, online backup services (e.g. IDrive; Acronis) provide remote off-site storage options that encrypt, protect, and re-provide data in case of malice or loss. Akin to regular cloud services, they can act as a comfortable buffer against physical threats and natural disasters with the added value of mirroring file structure for easy cataloguing, continuous backup, and direct access.

For more information about how to prevent data loss, please contact BlueTie today.