Step 8: Back-up your data

Create a copy of all the data and programs on your computer and keep it in a secure place.

Creating a copy or a back-up of data is a sensible and easy way to help you recover your information from your computer if a virus destroys your files, or your computer is stolen or destroyed in a fire.

Consider the financial risk and frustration if you lost all the data on your computer as a result of a firea virus can be just as destructive.
You can either:

• back-up all the data and certain programs on your hard drive each time you do a back-up, or
• perform incremental back-ups, which means that you only back-up the files that have changed since the last time you backed up.

How to back-up your data

• Assess what data and programs on your computer need to be backed up and how often. For example, you will need to back-up operating and applications software when it is purchased. Once a week may be appropriate to back-up current and past client folders, email folders and files to do with your office, home accounts and finances.
• Select a back-up device that is large enough to store the backed-up files and fast enough so it is not too time-consuming to do back-ups. Examples include CDs, DVDs, memory sticks or an external hard drive.
• Make a repeat note somewhere obvious, such as in an office diary, reminding you to do the back-up.
• Test the data that has been backed-up to make sure the process is working properly.

Store the back-up copies in a safe location away from your computer systems i.e. away from your home or business premises.

For further details see the SSO Factsheet, How to create back-up copies of your important information.