Backing up computer data: some practical advice from Bakaramoko KABA

Every March 31, the world celebrates World Data Backup Day. The objective is to remind people of the risks incurred by storing data on a single device and to encourage users of computers, smartphones and tablets to make a second or third copy of their files on another medium such as an external hard drive, a USB key, or even an online hosting service, “cloud”.

If your device has been stolen, damaged, lost, or hacked, this means that you may have already suffered the bad experience of losing one or more important data. Whether it is computer data for professional or personal use, backup is often the only ideal way to find it.

Backup, a challenge

This backup refers to the security of computer data stored on devices including smartphones, laptops, tablets, USB keys, SD or SSD cards, CDs, DVDs or even in servers locally or internationally. While the global context resembles a frantic race for computer data, the challenge for individuals, businesses, governments, banks among others is to protect themselves while maintaining control of their information. For Bakaramoko KABA, network, systems and cybersecurity engineer, CEO of the company AISAKA GROUP, backing up computer data is essential for the proper functioning of a business.because today we are facing multiple attacks, but when the data is backed up we have replications everywhere to be able to return to normal as quickly as possible.".

Backup and benefits

Faced with all the risks that may arise, Mohamed takes precautions. Keeping copies of data on several media is the ideal solution for the young computer scientist. Mohamed CAMARA has never lost his personal data, he tells us. “I have always multiplied my data in my devices according to their importance. I hide them carefully by creating files in folders. This has always allowed me to keep them without suffering any loss.”asserts the young computer scientist with a certain confidence.

So, put a copy in 2 to 3 computers, smartphones or tablets, external hard drives, keys USB can protect personnel in a certain dimension.

This cannot protect against fire, hacking or theft. This is why companies find better than these storage materials by deploying major resources to match the information in their possession. “ Large companies use data centers that they set up outside the country or others who rent cloud storage spaces in large data centers located all over the world which allow their data to be backed up in real time within their companies and they manage replication remotely., explains Bakaramoko KABA, network, systems and cybersecurity engineer, CEO of the AISAKA GROUP company.

Backup and disadvantages

Furthermore, the physical and diversified storage of data on USB keys, hard drives among others, represents a huge risk of leakage if the device falls into the wrong hands. In any case, this is the bad experience that Ousmane KAKE, HR director of a company that he preferred to keep anonymous, always remembers. “I stored sensitive information (contracts and salaries, etc.) of all employees on a personal USB key and I placed this USB key on my desk. I went out for an emergency to resolve personal matters without putting this USB drive out of reach. Unfortunately, this sensitive information ended up in the public arena, I don't know how but I was suspended from my duties for several weeks after certain employees demanded a salary increase.regrets Ousmane KAKE.

This bad experience of Ousmane reminds us that no one is safe, even saving computer data online is not without harmful consequences, especially when security is faulty. “If we deploy a cloud system without accompanying it with an adequate security system, data leakage and data loss can occur at any time.", explains Bakaramoko KABA, cybersecurity engineer.

What to remember from this day?

Everyone should know that personal information describes lives, past, present and future. “We need to know how to use our personal information and we need to know where to assign it,”advises the General Director of the AISAKA GROUP company.

It seems timely to remind businesses that a backup is more than just a copy. Rather, it is an additional lever for a company that believes in the significant potential of data.

Mamadou Kindy BAH