An annual tradition which started as a simple reddit post back in 2011, World Backup Day is celebrated on 31st March 2025 to provide a reminder of the importance of backing up data.

To mark the occasion, Kaspersky shares practical advice on how to create new beneficial digital habits to ensure your backups are safe.

 The first question that should be taken into consideration is: what exactly needs to be backed up? The answer seems to be lying on the surface.

The more you back up – the better.

Work-related documents, family photos, financial info, health records, logins and passwords, and even content shared within messengers.

In fact, all of this needs to be backed up using reliable storage methods.

There are several reasons why it is recommended to copy as much data as you can. First of all, the device on which the information is stored may simply be lost, stolen or damaged.

For example, UK’s South Western Railway reports that at least 5 smartphones are lost per day on its network, which is almost 1800 devices per year.

Among other potential threats to data safety are ransomware attacks. This is a type of malware that blocks a computer and then demand a ransom for its release. In some cases, even paying the ransom does not help to restore data on an infected device.

Despite these substantial risks, in everyday life it’s almost impossible (and to some extent pointless) to back up everything.

Our devices contain gigabytes of information, most of which has no value. Creating backup storages of such a scale is time-consuming and expensive.

The main advice is to rank data correctly. Try to assort the items needing to be backed up by evaluating their relevance, recency and recovery options.

If a file, record or password is outdated or may be replaced by a newer version, backup may be safely ignored. If it is a new or highly valuable piece of information, backing up is necessary and preferably there should be more than one copy.

The art of backup

The next step towards data loss prevention is finding the suitable backup method to select. Obviously, it depends on multiple factors: type of data, type of device, pricing, user’s personal preferences and habits.

The most popular backup options are generally cloud or external storage services.  Both of these methods have their pros and cons. For example, cloud services give you instant access to information wherever you are, but they require regular subscription payments.

At the same time, external hard drives are reliable storages which only require one payment, but access to information on these devices is only possible when they are at hand.

Therefore, cloud storage is regarded as the perfect option for storing files and photos which should always be available in a few clicks, while external storage services are suitable for data archives and huge files, such as movies or videos which you rarely use.

Overall statistics show that nowadays most people choose  cloud technology as their main storage option.

Specific data such as passwords, ID or financial details require even more secure storage methods. Among the potential solutions password manager is an option that protects sensitive personal information, prevents its loss and provides immediate access to it at any time.

Automatic filling of authentication and banking data means users do not have to memorise important information and reliably protects data from being compromised.

While choosing backup and storage options it’s highly recommended to consider all the aspects.

To get backing up into a real habit, the method should not only be reliable and effective, but also suitable and convenient for you personally.

Enhanced protection

As it has been already mentioned, single manual backup might not be enough to protect data from being lost.

World Backup Day is the right time to remember that data might be vulnerable and take some proactive steps to secure it.

Kaspersky has created some tips on how to do it effectively:

• Follow the rule 3-2-1. One of the most popular backup strategies is to have at least 3 copies of important data, store it on 2 different storage types, and make at least 1 copy off-side (cloud or external physical location).
• Set up automatic backups. Most devices and services have a preinstalled backup function, which automatically creates a backup if you forget to make a copy in time.
• Use a reliable security solution. Comprehensive digital protection with a specific anti-ransomware protection mechanism, such as in Kaspersky Premium, prevents device infection and protects your data from both local and remote-access ransomware attacks.
• Make regular checks. It’s necessary to test your backups workability on a regular basis to notice the malfunction in time and fix it.

The post As We Approach World Backup Day, How Much do You Trust Your Device Memory? appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

It is an illusion to think that cyber attacks on any industry can be avoided.

In fact Check Point’s 2025 State of Cyber Security Report shows that the average number of weekly attacks per organisation are up 44% year-over-year.

Such attacks come from many sources – from ransomware, hacktivism, third party supply chain attacks, phishing, network intrusions and even data breaches.

But in 2025, simply asking “Have you backed up your data?” no longer cuts it. In an era of relentless ransomware, insider threats, and cloud-targeted attacks, the real question all organisations should be asking is if our backups for our business data are truly resilient—and if organisations are truly prepared to use them when it matters most.

Why Backups Still Matter More Than Ever

While backups aren’t new, their importance has only grown in today’s digitally dependent world. As we highlighted previously, cyberattacks are escalating—and no one is immune.

According to Statista, over 353 million individuals in the U.S. alone were affected by data compromises in 2023, including leaks and breaches across healthcare, finance, education, and government.

Ransomware, once primarily disruptive, has evolved into a multi-stage business model where attackers now exfiltrate and leak sensitive data, or encrypt systems which leads to operations being disrupted and business being stopped.

Others seek and destroy backup repositories to increase leverage.

In some instances, these events are life threatening, like for hospitals, where delayed care from a cyber-disruption could impact patient health, or municipalities shutting down public services because of a ransomware attack.

Cloud and SaaS platforms have brought convenience—but also confusion about responsibility. Many mistakenly believe that platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace provide complete backup protection, when in reality, retention is limited and recovery capabilities are constrained.

With the rise of hybrid and remote work, the threat exposure for all organisations is increased with more data being shared, edited, and stored across more devices than ever.

The integration of data backup and cyber security is where true digital resilience flourishes. Organisations can ensure data availability and integrity by combining data backup and cyber security practices.

In cyber incidents, having reliable backups enables quick recovery, reduces downtime, and minimises data loss.

Furthermore, embracing data backup and cyber security enhances the overall data security posture.

Backups provide the last line of defense when endpoints are compromised, files are deleted accidentally, or insider threats strike, with data backups providing a partial safety net in case preventive measures are breached.

Human Blindspot & Cloud Backup: Not a Cure-All

In today’s new era of cyber attacks, even utilising AI for a more smooth and expanded delivery of malware, a new form of data backup protection is necessary.

Organisations of today require data backup resiliency. Even the best backup technology can be rendered useless without organisational discipline.

For example, due to work schedules, restore drills are skipped, or perhaps roles and responsibilities are unclear.

At other times, backups are misconfigured or stored with weak access controls, with testing not on the agenda for regular operations.

Unfortunately, like all things that we get used to, this creates a dangerous illusion of resilience—where businesses believe they are protected, only to discover too late that their backups are either unusable or unreachable due to dated technology or vulnerabilities.

Whilst cloud solutions offer deep advantages such as scalability that flexes with business needs and even encryption and advanced security protocols to protect data in transit and at rest, with the ability to access data from anywhere, enabling hybrid workforces and remote recovery, there are still some risks.

Without secure configurations, regular testing, and role-based accountability, cloud backups are just another vulnerable asset.

From Mere Backup to Data Resilience

True digital resiliency occurs with the integration of data backup and cyber security as organisations can ensure data availability and integrity by combining data backup and cyber security practices.

In cyber incidents, having reliable backups enables quick recovery, reduces downtime, and minimises data loss and enhances the overall data security providing a safety net in case such preventive measures are breached.

However, resilience requires more than a backup—it demands a strategy that combines technology, policy, and culture.

On the technology side, the following are essential:

• Immutable, encrypted backups with MFA (multi-factor authentication)
• Segmented or air-gapped storage locations.
• Cloud-native backup tools with automated restore testing.
• Integration with threat detection to alert on tampering.
• Geographic redundancy for compliance and resilience.

As highlighted earlier, human errors can lead to such data breaches and vulnerabilities. To overcome this, organisations should:

• Assign clear backup and recovery roles to be prepared for any data breaches
• Conduct regular and realistic restore drills.
• Educate employees on what data is backed up—and what isn’t.
• Audit and update recovery plans quarterly.
• Cross-train IT and security teams on response procedures.

Protecting our Digital Future

Data is the backbone of modern business. It drives decisions, serves customers, fuels growth—and in many cases, saves lives. But like all strong assets, it can also be vulnerable, volatile, and persistently under attack.

Backups remain the most cost-effective insurance against data loss. But to be truly effective, they must evolve from passive storage into proactive, tested, and secured recovery systems.

Such backups should not be a technical afterthought, but rather considered as a strategic necessity, central to operational continuity and national resilience, where organizations must treat data recovery as a board-level imperative.

Resilience isn’t about whether you’ve backed up—it’s about whether you’re ready to bounce back fast, clean, and confidently when chaos strikes.

So on this World Backup Day, organisations should extend beyond simply checking if they have in place a strong data backup recovery plan; instead they should be considering whether they are prepared to recover with resilience—technically, operationally, and organisationally, beyond just backups.

The post Backup Data Resiliency: Backups Alone Aren’t Enough  appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Consider this: 1 in 10 computers fall victim to viruses, and a staggering 113 phones are stolen every minute every day.

With data loss being a sudden and potentially irretrievable nightmare, ensuring reliable backups is non-negotiable.

March 31st, celebrated as World Backup Day, is a poignant reminder of this essential task. Let’s delve into the common backup mistakes people make and how to steer clear of those.

1. Skipping regular backups:

The most common mistake is forgetting to back up data regularly. Whether personal files or crucial business documents, not establishing a consistent backup routine leaves you vulnerable to data loss.

Unexpected system crashes or malware attacks can happen anytime, making your precious data inaccessible or permanently lost. But you can help avoid such a situation by setting up automatic backups.

2. Putting all faith in a single backup device:

A device can get damaged or stolen, putting your backups at risk, so depending entirely on one storage medium is playing a dangerous game with your data’s safety.

 Instead, diversify your backup storage solutions with a combination of external HDDs, NAS, and cloud storage.

Portable HDDs like those from WD like Western Digital’s My Passport offer up to 5TB for simple, cost-effective backups. For smartphones, 2-in-1 flash drives such as SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C and SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe are convenient options.

These drives, compatible with USB Type-C devices, automatically back up photos, videos, and more. Just plug and play for seamless data transfer across devices.

If you need a device to store huge amounts of data, then the desktop drive called My Book  from WD is just the product for you, with up to 22TB of storage capacity.

3. Forgetting version control:

Overlooking version control during backups is another blunder. Not keeping multiple versions of files increases the chance of saving corrupted or wrong data over previous versions.

Without a proper versioning system, fixing mistakes or retrieving older versions can become a challenge. To prevent forgetting version control, establish a system that tracks changes to your files over time.

This ensures that you can always revert to earlier versions if needed, helping protect against accidental data loss or corruption.

Regularly maintaining this system will help you stay organized and prepared for any unforeseen issues.

Additionally, it’s crucial to verify the version you’re backing up to ensure it’s the correct one.

This simple step can help prevent accidental overwriting of important data with potentially corrupted or incorrect versions.

Double-checking ensures that you’re safeguarding the most up-to-date and accurate information, minimizing the risk of errors during backups.

4. Ignoring off-site backup solutions:

Many people overlook off-site backup solutions, assuming local backups are foolproof. However, relying solely on local backups makes you vulnerable to site-specific disasters like fires or theft.

Using off-site backups means keeping copies of your data in different places so that if something bad happens in one area, your data stays safe.

As an alternative, you could use cloud storage. Cloud backup devices are popular for remote data storage accessible via the internet. Various online cloud services offer features like file synchronization, sharing, and encryption for secure data storage.

5. Underestimating encryption:

Not prioritizing encryption in backups can be a costly mistake. Storing unencrypted backups makes your sensitive data vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches.

Implementing strong encryption ensures even if your backups fall into the wrong hands, the data remains protected.

However, it is equally important to remember not to opt for out-of-the-box encryption solutions, as they might make it difficult for you to retrieve the backed-up information later.

My Passport HDD and My Book from WD come equipped with built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection that helps keep content secure.

Additionally, maintaining proper key management practices is essential to ensure smooth decryption and access to your data when needed.

This World Backup Day, Western Digital urges you to back up your data safely, and at the same time, prepare for the unexpected by having a contingency plan in place for device mishaps like crashes, theft, or damage.

Worrying about losing data isn’t something you have to lose sleep over if you have an active data backup strategy.

A common rule of thumb for keeping important data from disappearing forever is the 3-2-1 Rule. It dictates that you should:

3. Have THREE copies of your data. One is a primary backup and two are copies.

   2. Save copies of your backups on TWO different types of media or devices.

   1. ONE backup copy should be kept offsite in case of disaster.

Determine where and how you’ll store backup files and identify support contacts for swift assistance.

These proactive measures ensure quick data recovery and safeguard your cherished memories for the long haul.

[Featured Image Credit]

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