In an increasingly digital world, safeguarding your personal data is an essential aspect of emergency preparedness. Privacy-conscious preppers understand that while planning for food, water, and shelter is crucial, protecting digital assets like important documents, photos, and contact lists is just as important. Data backup and storage should secure these assets from not only physical threats like natural disasters but also digital threats like cyberattacks and data breaches.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to backing up and storing your data with privacy in mind:
Step 1: Identify What Needs to be Backed-up
Start by determining which files are crucial in an emergency situation. Some examples include:
- Personal identification documents (passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses)
- Financial records (bank account information, tax returns)
- Insurance policies
- Medical records
- Property deeds
- Emergency contacts list
Step 2: Organize Your Files
Create a dedicated folder on your computer for these important documents. Organizing your files in a clear and logical structure makes it easier to back them up and retrieve them when needed.
Step 3: Digitalize Physical Documents
Scan all essential physical documents using a scanner or a scanning app on your smartphone. Ensure that the digital copies are clear and legible.
Step 4: Choose Your Backup Methods
For privacy-focused preppers, consider a combination of the following backup methods:
- External Hard Drives/SSDs: These hardware devices are good for large quantities of data and can be stored in a secure, off-site location.
- USB Flash Drives: Suitable for smaller amounts of critical data. Choose encrypted USB drives for additional security.
- NAS (Network Attached Storage): This is a dedicated device with one or more hard drives often set up in a RAID configuration, which can be physically secured and encrypted.
- Cloud Storage: Use privacy-focused providers that offer end-to-end encryption and have a strong reputation for data protection.
Always opt for hardware that offers strong encryption and password protection.
Step 5: Encrypt Your Data
Encrypt files before backing them up. Use trusted encryption tools like VeraCrypt or BitLocker for Windows, or FileVault for macOS. Encrypting data ensures that even if your storage device falls into the wrong hands, the contents remain secure.
Step 6: Perform the Backup
Conduct the backup process systematically, transferring all organized files to your chosen backup medium or mediums. If using cloud storage, ensure that you are on a secure network during the upload process.
Step 7: Store Your Backup Securely
For physical backup devices, store them in a secure and discreet location such as a safe or a lockbox that is both fireproof and waterproof. If using cloud storage, be sure that you have strong passwords and consider using multi-factor authentication.
Step 8: Keep Your Backup Updated
Regularly update your backup with new or updated documents. Set calendar reminders to prompt backup updates every three to six months, or after any significant life event that involves new important documentation.
Step 9: Test Your Backup
Periodically test your backups to ensure the data can be retrieved and is not corrupted. It’s important to know that your backups can be relied upon in case of an emergency.
Step 10: Maintain Operational Security (OPSEC)
Keep your backup strategy known only to those who absolutely need to know (like family members or trusted friends involved in your emergency plan). Practice discretion on social media and online communications regarding your data backup routines.
Additional Tips:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, especially for cloud services.
- Keep your devices’ software up to date to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
- Consider the 3-2-1 backup strategy: 3 total copies of your data, 2 of which are local but on different devices, and 1 off-site.
Implementing a robust data backup and storage plan is a critical component of emergency preparedness for privacy-conscious preppers. By taking careful steps to safeguard your digital assets, you can ensure that you’re prepared for both digital and physical emergencies.