Anyone who has already brought their devices and data up to scratch should now take World Backup Day on 31 March as an opportunity to create an up-to-date data backup. After all, irretrievable data loss, for example due to damage to a device, can cause a lot of frustration and stress. A backup plan helps to secure important information in the long term and avoid unnecessary hassle. Here's how it works:

Selecting the data and suitable backup software

Firstly, you should decide whether you want to back up the entire system or just selected files such as documents, photos and videos. Operating systems and software can always be reinstalled. However, if you have made individual settings, this configuration data can also be backed up. Backup software can help you create a data backup. Many device manufacturers offer their own programmes, and there are also numerous solutions from other providers. The decisive factor is whether the selected backup software can process and back up all the different data formats in their complexity.

Be aware of possible problems with data backup

It is not uncommon for users to use different device types with different operating systems and programmes. If this is the case, a decision should be made before backing up whether the data should be used across platforms. This is because not all backup software allows smartphone data to be used on other operating systems, for example. Therefore, before carrying out the backup, check whether compatibility problems occur and how they can be resolved.

Select the right storage medium

In addition to external, physical storage media such as DVDs or external hard drives, data can also be stored in a cloud. If you want to use this option, you should still regularly create an additional backup in a cloud. When selecting a cloud service, it is advisable to check the provider's data protection regulations and, above all, to ensure that the data is transferred and stored in encrypted form. This prevents personal or sensitive data from being read and misused by third parties in the event of data theft. Data transfer to the cloud itself should also only take place via an encrypted connection.

Set a regular back-up cycle

As new data is constantly being added when using a PC and the like, it is advisable to set a regular cycle for updating backups. You should also occasionally check whether the backup you have created actually contains all the data and is readable. Also bear in mind that file types and programmes can become obsolete and are then, for example, not readable or only readable to a limited extent on newer operating system or programme versions. In order to preserve the data in the long term, it may therefore have to be converted to a newer format.