It happens without warning. Suddenly access to your personal data is interrupted by a simple hardware error, a filthy virus, a cyber attack, a software, accidental removal or a human error. It is clearer than ever that our personal data is vulnerable.
As a advocate for privacy and security and the editor behind the popular Cyberguy report, for which you can subscribe for free to Cyberguy.com/newsletterI have always emphasized the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to data security.
My best recommendation for protecting your precious memories, critical documents and the mountains of personal data that we collect is simple: use a personal drive for backups.
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Spring is traditionally a time to clean, and this should also extend to digital hygiene. Every year I implement a thorough cleaning of my personal data, make sure that I have a back -up back -up of documents, family photos and other irreplaceable items. There is nothing like the peace of mind that comes from having a physical backup, which places control firmly in your hands, regardless of whether you use a Mac, PC or even a Chromebook.
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One of my favorite tools for this task is one WD Portable Drivethat offers 2 terabytes storage. It easily connects to your device via SuperSpeed USB 3.0, which ensures a fast and efficient data transfer and is fully compatible with Chromebook. A reliable ride like this is a must-have; I use a different similar WD model for my MacBook and PC.
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In addition to regular running back -ups on the cloud or another disc, I use this WD disk that connects to your Mac, PC or Chromebook as an extra copy of my important data that can be disconnected and stored in a safe place, away from hackers and other threats.
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When you decide what you should support from your computer, it is crucial to give priority to documents, files and memories that are important and irreplaceable. Here is an extensive list to consider:
1. Personal documents: Record items such as birth certificates, passports, social security maps, wedding certificates, wills and other legal documents that can be difficult or time -consuming to replace.
2. Financial data: This category must relate to bank statements, tax returns, investment data and other financial documents that are essential for keeping personal registers and legal compliance.
3. Photos and videos: Family photos, holiday videos, special events such as weddings or graduates and other personal memories that cannot be recreated.
4. Work and educational documents: If you use your computer for work or school, make sure you make a backup of important projects, research documents, presentations and related correspondence.
5. E -mails: Some e -mails may contain important information, agreements or attachments to which you may have to refer. Consider making a back -up of important e emails or archiving.
6. Contacts: A back -up of your digital address book can save you many problems if you lose access to your devices.
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7. Music and media collections: For those who collect digital music, films and books, the backup of these files ensures that you do not lose your collection.
8. Software and app data: Back -up of settings and data for apps that you often use, especially if they help manage your schedule, finance or health.
9. Website bookmarks: If you relate to bookmarks to navigate efficiently on the internet, it can support them if you have to repair or switch to a new device.
10. Game Saves and Profiles: If you are a gamer, a backup of your game can save and prevent profiles loss of progress in the case of system failure.
11. Creative works: Including writings, artworks, design files, coding projects or other personal or professional creative work.
Take over the 3-2-1 backup strategy: Make sure you maintain three copies of your data: the original, a backup on another device and a third copy stored offsite or in the cloud. This approach offers robust protection against data loss.
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Improve the account security by switching on 2FA, Require additional verification steps that go beyond just passwords, which reduces unauthorized access risks.
Regularly update and patch systems: Save your operating systems and software up -To -date To tackle vulnerabilities that can use cyber threats.
Use strong antivirus software: Install a trusted antivirus software solution to protect against ransomware, viruses and malignant attacks that can endanger your files. Get my choices for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Update your passwords for better security: One of the most important steps when protecting your data is to regularly update your passwords to prevent unauthorized access. Here you can read how you can do this effectively:
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Use a password manager – Use instead of trusting memory Password manager Please generate and store complex passwords.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)) -Add an extra protective layer by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a one-off code via SMS or an authenticator app.
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Make unique passwords – Avoid reusing passwords over multiple accounts. Each password must be at least 12 characters long and contain a mix of capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
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Check for compromised passwords – Use services with detection of password breaches. Some services INCLude a scanner for data breaches that checks whether your stored passwords have been leaked and updates suggests.
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Change the standard router and device passwords -If you still use the standard login data for your WiFi router, Smart Home devices or online accounts, update them immediately to prevent security risks.
Get more details about my Best Expert-Reviewed Password managers from 2025 here.
By updating passwords, together with other security measures for spring, you considerably reduce the risk of cyber threats and unauthorized access to your sensitive data.
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Taking a few minutes to protect your data and devices today can save you frustration, heartache and financial loss for hours tomorrow. Regular back -ups and trusted antivirus software work hand in hand to protect your digital life. Disconnect your back -up drive when you are ready and keep it in a safe place – it is a small step that makes a big difference.
What is your story ‘Data Disaster’, and what lessons have you learned about it about digital backups? Let us know by writing us Cyberguy.com/contact
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Original article Source: Protect your files and memories with simple tips for cleaning the spring
