Check your data and don’t let scammers get your back up
Data loss doesn’t just happen to large organisations. It can affect anyone – from individuals with treasured family photos to small businesses relying on customer record
Today (March 31) is World Backup Day, which is a timely reminder of the importance of taking a few minutes to do something simple that could save a lot of stress later – check your data backups.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), regular, well-planned backups are one of the most effective ways to protect against data loss, including cyber-attacks such as ransomware. But it’s not just about having backups in place – it’s about knowing they’ll actually work when you need them.
Why backups matter
Data loss doesn’t just happen to large organisations. It can affect anyone – from individuals with treasured family photos to small businesses relying on customer records and financial data. Cyber-attacks, accidental deletion, hardware failure, or even theft can all result in permanent loss if backups aren’t in place.
The good news is that protecting yourself is straightforward with a few sensible steps.
Test your backups – don’t assume
One of the most common mistakes is assuming backups will work without ever checking them. Many people only discover a problem when it’s too late.
Regularly testing your backups ensures everything is working as expected and gives you confidence that your files can be recovered quickly if needed.
Follow the 3-2-1 rule
A simple rule recommended by the NCSC is the “3-2-1” approach:
Keep at least three copies of your data
Store them on two different types of media (for example, a computer and an external drive)
Keep one copy off-site or offline
This helps protect against a range of risks, including ransomware attacks and equipment failure.
Secure your cloud storage
Cloud backups are convenient, but they still need protecting. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-step verification (2SV) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for criminals to access your accounts.
Automate and isolate
Setting up automatic backups reduces the risk of human error – you don’t have to remember to do it manually. If you use external drives or USB devices, keep them disconnected when not in use. This helps prevent malware from spreading to your backup copies.
A priority for small businesses
For small businesses, backups aren’t just good practice – they’re essential. Losing access to critical data can bring operations to a halt. Regular, secure, and tested backups form a key part of business continuity and resilience against cyber attacks.
A simple step that makes a big difference
Backing up your data might seem like a small task, but it can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disruption. Taking a few minutes today could save hours, days, or even weeks of recovery time in the future.
If you're worried about yours or a relative or neighbour's cyber security, our team of highly skilled, police-trained, volunteers carry out free home visits or group talks to anyone over 60, or over 18 if they have a registered disability.
Our experts' easy to follow guidance can help improve your cyber security awareness, offer scam prevention advice, signpost further advice and resources, and provide support and reassurance.
To apply for a visit email BobbyVanOnlineSafety@wbvt.org or call us on 01225 256867.