Data Backup Tools - Free or Paid?

While consulting with a particular customer to ensure that their data is protected we came to the conclusion that it would make most sense for them to utilize Google Backup for offsite storage of their files and pictures while manually making copies of their important documents every few weeks on a flash drive and taking those off premise.

When planning your backup strategy it's important to know the benefits of many free cloud backup solutions out there vs. the typical benefits of paid services...

Free: -(Sometimes) Automatic

-Offsite copies of your data -Protects against natural disaster -Hardware failure

"The issue with all those [free] services is that they’re not necessarily true backup, but syncing. That is, when you delete a file from any device or online, it’s deleted from every device. Lord help you if you make a mistake and don’t realize it in time. True backup means retaining data indefinitely no matter what’s happening with the data elsewhere." <https://www.pcworld.com/article/3235812/software/the-best-free-backup-software-and-services.html>

Paid: -Automatic

-Offsite copies of your data -Protects against natural disaster -Hardware failure +Human error (deletes, edits, file changes) +File corruption +RANSOMWARE and other Viruses

What's the difference? With paid services you have the ability to revert back to a POINT IN TIME to when you know the file or folder is clear of viruses or an unedited version that you need. Typically, you have 30+ copies giving you a month of backups to revert back to depending on your solution.

Ransomware creators know most people do not use paid backup solutions which is why these threats sit dormant for days, weeks, or months before letting you know your files are encrypted.

No one can tell you what your files, pictures, or other data is worth or how it is valued besides you! But consider...

-For personal use, the worth typically comes down to sentimental value along with maybe some tax documents that may be a huge pain if lost.

-For businesses, I can at least give you an idea of what it could cost you if you don't properly back up your data...

Companies surveyed experienced an average of four ransomware attacks and paid an average of $2,500 per attack.

Factors to consider: • Lost productivity due to application downtime • Lost business due to angry or unsatisfied customers • Costs related to system recovery and maintenance

• Importance of customer data, marketing material, & accounting/finance data

You insure your car, home, business, and other important assets. In this digital world, it's time to consider insuring your data.

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