Backups

One of the most important security measures is backups. They protect us from hardware failures, various types of malware and loss of devices. Because this can happen to computers, tablets, phones and servers, all devices need to have a backup system in place.

What do we need from backups?

• They need to be automatic so it doesn't rely on comrades remembering to press backup buttons
• They should back up all files that we can't do without, whether that be email, documents, photos or videos
• Ideally, one backup should be kept in a different location, in case of fire, flooding, burglary and so on

There are basically two different ways of backup up: the cloud and local devices. The two can be combined easily.

The most popular way of backing up at the moment is to back things up to the “cloud”. That is, backing up to an online service, like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Dropbox.

The advantages of this method:

• No up-front costs
• Mostly easy to set up
• Off-site backup, in multiple copies

The disadvantages of this method:

• High monthly or annual costs
• Data is under the control of a big corporation, who control access to data (can be mitigated by encrypting files in advance)
• Service provider can cancel account and delete data with no notice
• High bandwidth usage to upload files

Recommended uses:

• Individual comrades
• Small centres or where there is a lack of necessary technological expertise

For those that want to control access to their data, or avoid high monthly costs, purchasing backup devices and hard drives is the prefered option.

Advantages of this method:

• Low monthly costs
• Control of own data
• Less need for internet connection bandwidth
• Possible integration with other services

Disadvantages of this method:

• High up-front costs
• More complicated to set up

Recommended uses:

• Tech-savy comrades
• Large centres with many full-timers

• Custom build but highly flexible Network Attached Storage (NAS) like QNAP or Synology (more expensive, but easier)
• Own server (cheaper but more difficult to manage)
• Portable hard drive (not recommended)

Ideally, one server/NAS should be set up in the office, and another in a different location. The second location can be anywhere with a high bandwidth internet connection.

The most obvious thing to backup is files that are not already on an online service:

• Documents
• Photos
• Videos
• Emails

The less obvious things to backup is online service:

• Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, YahooMail etc
• Youtube, Flickr etc