| Picking the right Internet storage solution to protect | | | | provider with offline backup capabilities. This will allow |
| your laptop data can seem daunting and | | | | you to make localized versions of important files until |
| overwhelming, but rest assured, it’s easier than | | | | you have a secure connection to upload them to the |
| you think. Just follow these eight simple tips to help | | | | remote server. |
| you choose a provider right for your backup needs. | | | | 4. Opt for Incremental Backups – A big concern |
| 1. Check Their Encryption – Whether you travel | | | | for many laptop users is whether or not their backup |
| frequently or work remotely, you can never be too | | | | provider will slow down their Internet. To help |
| certain about the integrity of your network and your | | | | minimize its bandwidth usage, look for a provider that |
| backup provider should be no exception. Thoroughly | | | | offers incremental backups. This way, only the |
| evaluate a provider’s encryption capabilities | | | | “changes” made to a document are |
| before signing with the provider. Do they use | | | | uploaded, instead of the entire thing being |
| military-grade encryption? Do they offer a unique key | | | | re-uploaded. |
| to ensure no one but you (or another authorized | | | | 5. Make Sure it Supports Open Files – Make sure |
| user) can access the information? | | | | any prospective Internet storage providers can |
| 2. Look for Point-In-Time Recovery – | | | | support the type of applications you need to backup |
| Point-in-time recovery refers to recovering or | | | | including open files (especially if you are using a |
| restoring data from a particular time in the past. In | | | | Windows laptop). |
| the case of a corrupted file or virus, the ability to | | | | 6. Test the Recovery Capabilities – Before you |
| restore a file from the past is crucial. Look for a | | | | sign a contract with a provider, test their recovery |
| service that allows you to store multiple versions of | | | | capabilities. Data recovery is one of the most |
| the same document or file. | | | | important components of any Internet storage |
| 3. Seek Offline Backup, Too – When you’re | | | | service so look for one with that offers the ability to |
| working on a laptop, you may not always have | | | | recover your files quickly and in their entirety. |
| access to a secure Internet connection so opt for a | | | | |