Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch has witnessed the significant advancements in technology, particularly with computers, the internet, and social media. While these innovations have transformed our lives, they've also introduced new risks. We have consistently warned residents about the potential dangers lurking in the digital world.
Our greatest concern has always been the catastrophic consequences of a system failure. Recent events, such as the widespread attacks of hackers and scammers, and the unprecedented global Microsoft outage, have highlighted this risk.
Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch urges all residents to prioritise internet security and regular data backups.
Protecting Your Precious Data Most people have experienced the frustration of losing access to important data. Backing up your data is crucial to prevent such heart-wrenching losses.
A backup is a copy of your important data stored in a secure location. This can be in the cloud or on physical storage like a USB drive or external hard drive.
There are countless reasons why you might need a backup:
- Your device is lost, stolen, or broken.
- Accidental deletion of files.
- Data corruption due to viruses or malware.
- Transitioning to a new device.
Backing up your data doesn’t have to be complicated. Most operating systems offer built-in backup options, and there are numerous third-party backup services available.
Essential Tips:
- Regularity: Back up your data frequently to minimise data loss.
- Variety: Use multiple backup methods for added protection.
- Security: Ensure your backup location is secure to prevent unauthorised access.
- Testing: Regularly test your backups to verify data integrity.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing valuable data. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in safeguarding your digital assets.
Backing Up Using Cloud Storage:
If you use cloud storage, a backup of your data is stored on the internet. Popular providers include Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Many of these services offer some free cloud storage space, which might be enough to save your most important files.
For more tips and advice on online security and data backup, visit the National Cyber Security Centre website:
Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch is committed to keeping our community safe. By taking a proactive approach to data security, you can protect yourself from digital threats and ensure your precious files are always accessible.
