Backup and data protection - how do you protect your data?

You too, just like the majority of people living in a modern society, probably belong to those who use technology and the Internet almost every day. This fact shouldn't really surprise anyone anymore, because digital systems are part of everyday life nowadays more than ever. Especially in terms of social aspects such as communication, self-expression, and image sharing, social media offers an incredibly wide range of possibilities. Every day, countless data are shared with people from all over the world. Profiles on social media contain vast amounts of information about the owner, everyone exchanges information with everyone else, and there are hardly any limits to communication. Life is becoming more and more visible and is increasingly taking place in the digital, public space.

A natural development here, however, is that data that is particularly private and worthy of protection is becoming more and more important. After all, not all information should be shared with the public. Furthermore, there is a need to protect precisely this private or particularly important data - both from data misuse and from data loss. Rapid progress also entails risks that can be minimized by taking adequate measures. This is where backups and adequate data protection come into play. But how do you manage to reliably protect your data and what software solutions are available for this?

The risks

First of all, you should be informed about existing risks in order to understand why the tools in this category are necessary. Two risks in particular stand out:

Data misuse and theft

One drawback of such rapid digital progress is the burgeoning of cybercrime. It has never been so easy to obtain private data and misuse it for criminal purposes. Often, just clicking on the wrong website is enough to infect your computer with malicious software. However, malware-infected links sent via social media profiles of unsuspecting acquaintances or friends can also trigger the download of fraud software. In no time, all private or very important data stored on the hard drive is encrypted and only accessible to the perpetrator. Usually, the demand for a sum of money to buy the data free follows. If the demanded sum is not paid, the data is often deleted or remains locked or encrypted until the system is completely rebuilt.

Technical defects

No matter how new and secure your hard drive may be, it too can become damaged over time and stop working. Whether there is a defect in the hardware or the software plays a rather subordinate role. It is not uncommon for the entire operating system to be affected in the event of a serious defect. With the demise of the operating system, all data that has not been adequately backed up beforehand is normally lost.

What software solutions are available?

If you are now wondering which programs offer a reliable solution to the problem, you will now get a small insight into any software related to this category.

Acronis True Image

This software solution exists in four variations: Acronis True Image Essentials, Acronis True Image Standard, Acronis True Image Advanced and Acronis True Image Premium. However, the name "Acronis True Image" is outdated and now the program is known as "Cyber Protect Home Office". This software focuses strongly on backups as well as features of an antivirus program. To reliably back up data, the Acronis Cloud is available, which offers enough space. If desired, you can also store the data locally, although there are the aforementioned risks in case of a technical defect.

Acronis True Image or Cyber Protect Home Office also includes a competent antivirus program, which is supposed to protect the home system from malicious software and cyber attacks. For this, real-time scans are performed in the background, always monitoring the state of the system. Thus, on the one hand, the program secures the computer against active threats, and on the other hand, it provides reliable backups.

WinZip

WinZip Standard or WinZip Pro is probably better known to you as an unpacking program. That is definitely the focus of the software, but you are also able to create secure backups with it. So, as you can see, it's worth taking a closer look at programs whose main focus is obviously not in this category.

Ashampoo Backup Pro 15

Ashampoo Backup Pro is especially suitable for you if you need a comprehensive Windows backup program that is capable of backing up your data and also restoring it if the worst happens. The program regularly checks whether the memory and system capacities are sufficient to make a backup. Only if these conditions are met, a backup can be made. Files can also be compressed to save even more disk space. The emergency system that Ashampoo Backup Pro 15 has implemented in its repertoire is particularly interesting. This should always be on an external storage medium. If your operating system fails completely, you can restore it to its original state without any problems using the emergency system.

Steganos Safe & Steganos Password Manager

If you are particularly interested in a software combination that allows you to create and manage secure passwords for all profiles, then Steganos Password Manager and Steganos Safe are the right choice for you. Steganos Safe helps you encrypt important data so that only you can access it. In case your system is severely damaged and all passwords are deleted, this software solution offers the possibility of recovery through a master password.

iolo System Mechanic

This tool is a bit different from the previous programs. Iolo System Mechan ic makes sure that your computer can work as error-free as possible to avoid glitches and crashes. Often, massive errors within the home system are the main reason for a failure and a corresponding loss of data. Iolo System Mechanic prevents this by constantly scanning and checking the system, identifying and removing sources of errors. Furthermore, iolo System Mechanic scans the computer for excess data garbage, which massively slows down the working speed and can also lead to malfunctions. If excess data fragments are found on your computer, iolo System Mechanic removes them completely and reduces the risk of a crash.