Step 8: Back-up your online data

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

Creating a copy or 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.

You can either:

1. Back up all the data and certain programs on your hard drive each time you do a back-up; or
2. You can do incremental back- ups: that is, back up only the files that have changed since the last time you backed up.

How important is backing up your data?

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

What you need to do…

Here are some key points for effective data back-up.

1. 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.
2. 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 backups, e.g. CDs, DVDs, memory sticks.
3. Make a repeat note somewhere obvious, such as in an office diary, reminding you to do the backup.
4. Test the data that has been backed-up to make sure the process is working properly.
5. Store the back-up copies in a safe location away from your computer systems i.e. away from your home or business premises.

Further information

The Australian Government Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy website has general e-security advice for small businesses and specific information on the safe backing up of files. The information is also relevant to home users.