Although we like to think that we take good care of our electronics, the reality is that they can become damaged incredibly easily. In fact, something as simple as spilling a drink can be the end of your PC. We also now store a huge amount of our personal data on our laptops and PCs, and often store work-related data on there too. This is why it is essential to keep backups of your important data, no matter what industry you work in. The last thing you want to be left with is a damaged hard drive and no way to retrieve your work or personal photos. There are three main threats to your computer software or hardware that make it vital to back up your data:

Malware

There are a range of different types of computer malware that can invade your PC without you even knowing, and thousands of people lose important files and documents every year from malware related data loss. All the different types of malware, from viruses and worms to trojans and keyloggers, can threaten the integrity of your data. Some types of malware may delete your files or corrupt your hard drive, others may give hackers access to your data. But having a backup will ensure you will at least never lose the files you have stored. 

Physical Damage 

Sometimes simple physical damage can result in a loss of data. The components inside a PC or laptop are fragile, so impact force from dropping can cause a lot of internal damage. Liquid damage is also a huge risk – a single spilled drink can short out your motherboard and damage your hard drive beyond repair.

By having your data backed up, you won’t have to panic if you accidentally cause physical damage to your PC or laptop.

Theft

Burglary and theft related crimes are on the increase every year and criminals tend to look for items that they can sell for quick cash. Unfortunately, laptops and PCs are a common target for thieves, and if you don’t have your data backed up, you will likely lose it forever if your computer is stolen. With a full backup, you can at least rest assured that your data is safe in the event of a theft. Some computers and smart phones even allow you to remotely wipe the data from the device if it is stolen, so you can make sure that the thief cannot access your information.

Backing up your data is vital no matter who you are or what industry you work in. Most of us now store massive amounts of personal and professional data on our PCs, laptops, and smart phones. A popular backup option is to store your data on a cloud system where it can be accessed remotely from any device with a network connection, thereby keeping your data safe in the event of theft, but easily accessible from anywhere you like. 

For more information on keeping your data secure, or to enquire about our web development services, get in touch with us today!