Backup (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what a backup is and what it is for to make a backup copy. Also, the steps that must be followed to make backups.

What is a backup?

In computing, it is understood by a backup (from English: back up“backup”, “reinforcement”), backup, backup copy or backup copy to a copy of the original data of an information system or a set of software (files, documents, etc.) that is stored in a safe place or a secure region of the system memory, in order to be able to have your information again in the event of any eventuality, accident or disaster occurs and causes your loss from the system. In other words, it is a just-in-case copy that is usually updated from time to time as a security measure.

Computer systems today can be victims of various types of damage: remote attacks by hackers or computer viruses, physical destruction of storage media, and even accidental deletion by an authorized user. In these cases, backup is used manually or automatically to restore the lost information, thus minimizing losses in data or information.

These data losses are really common: 66% of Internet users have experienced them, which is why It is very common have backups in different formats: hard drive sectors, removable storage devices or even in the cloud itself, that is, on Internet servers. This form of prevention is recommended in all digital prevention rules and large companies invest part of their budget and data storage capacity in backing up their most important and confidential information.

How to make an effective back?

To make a backup, the following steps are usually followed:

Selection. Of the key material to be supported: irreplaceable information, of great economic value, etc.
Storage. In a secure system according to the possibilities of the individual or the organization. If possible, you should make a local backup (your own) and an external backup (in another company or service) that is convenient.
Update. The backup taking into account the modified data of the information to be saved and the frequency with which it is modified, so that the backup is always as up to date as possible and the loss of information is minimized.

There are numerous programs, pages, companies and online services that offer backup and data recovery plans. The computer security sector is, in an increasingly digitalized world, a computer area in continuous growth.