Consider online backup to safely store files

Hackers these days can break into government, financial and business computers, so why should you trust any cloud-based backup company with your important files?

I get this type of question from many of my clients that are looking at backup options for their home or business computers.

I can understand the apprehension about storing your data online. It seems like we hear about a new data breach weekly. Armed with an individual’s personal data, a hacker can steal a person’s identity and finances.

In case you have ever wondered why hackers want names, addresses, and more, it is all about the money. This brings me back to online backing up of your data files.

With online backups all your data, photos, music and important files are stored online. This is great. If there is a fire, theft or flood, your data is safe; you can get it back. Storing information online is the whole point of cloud computing and it is the direction the computer world is heading.

So what is the cautious user to do?

Before signing up with a company, learn about its security policies. Research what it’s doing to keep your data safe. Believe me; I did plenty of research on Carbonite before I became a customer.

I don’t want a breach to expose my information. Having done my research into Carbonite’s security measures, I feel confident recommending it to you and I use the service to back up my personal financial data and sensitive business files.

Carbonite uses 448-bit Blowfish encryption. Data is also encrypted to and from its servers — twice. This is more than your bank transactions. At Carbonite’s facilities, there are physical security measures also in place. Even if a hacker could get in, they cannot break the encryptions.

Not all data breaches are the same. The information stolen is usually done becuase of too little encryption. Many companies have huge and varied networks that are hard to secure and an employee might be bad, incompetent or gullible.

Your information is very safe with backup services like Carbonite. In fact, it is the best way to keep your data safe. Your computer is guaranteed to fail at some point. The hard drive might die, or a disaster could destroy it entirely — either way, it will happen.

Online backups are the best way to make sure your information survives a disaster. It is convenient yet secure — you can’t ask for more in the digital world.

Frankly, the real danger actually comes from your side of things. Your computer is the weak link; if a hacker gets in to your computer and gets username and password information, the hacker could access your data.

Make sure your computer system is secure or any hacker could just slip a keylogger spyware program on the computer. All your account information would be vulnerable and the hacker would be able to get your backed up data with no hassle.

However, if a hacker has a keylogger on your computer, why bother with trying to access your online backup? The hacker can just steal your information directly. You probably don’t even have it encrypted.

Installing security software, especially antispyware software, is critical for your digital safety. Having an unsecured wireless network is also inviting trouble. Anyone from hackers to child pornographers can take advantage of it.

The bottom line is that if you have the proper security measures in place on your computer and you have done research on the online backup provider, you should feel perfectly safe with personal data being backed-up at the online sites.

Spyware & Scammer Alerts Corner

Another batch of fake emails:

I have seen an email from a company called ADP Dealer Services saying that you owe several thousand dollars and wants you to reply to a link to confirm the invoice — do not do it!

Another email says that an IRS tax settlement case has been resolved and you only have a limited time to click on the link to get your settlement.

Yet another email is offering a reduce premium rate for a high value life insurance policy, just click on the link to apply. They want you to click on a link to check out the information about you.

Stay safe!

George Cox is the owner of Computer Diagnostics and Repair. He can be reached at 702-346-4217.