Many of us store sensitive data like passwords and bank card information on our phones. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, so will your personal and important information. Data can be lost and corrupted, or worse, stolen. To protect yourself from such errors and attacks, it is important to back up your data regularly as a routine. Creating backups will let you seamlessly access your files and information stored in the cloud using secondary or backup devices.
Why is it important to backup your data?
The significance of data backup storage cannot be overstated in this digital age. We rely on our electronic devices, like mobile phones, laptops, external hard drives, flash drives, and many more.to store our data. But what do you do when they run into problems that lead to losing your data? You risk being left with outdated data for work, school, or personal purposes if you don’t keep your data backups up-to-date. Ultimately, if you don’t backup your data at all, you could end up losing all the data you’ve collected since the day you started using your device.
Data loss can occur due to numerous factors such as hardware failure, accidental deletion, natural disasters, or cyberattacks. That is why having a secure and efficient backup system in place is crucial, Maintaining a good backup of your data will ensure that, whatever happens to your devices, your files will remain intact for you to use and view in the future.
Where Should You Store Your Backups?
These days, we have a lot of options when it comes to backing up information, from traditional physical devices like external hard drives and tape drives to more advanced and modern solutions like cloud storage. The old and trusted way was to use external storage drives such as flash drives and external hard drives for data storage. However, Cloud storage has gained immense popularity in recent years, and quickly replacing other forms of data storage. Regardless of the chosen method, the primary objective remains to safeguard your valuable data and ensure its swift recovery during unforeseen circumstances,
Using a cloud service to store data enables users to store their data remotely, easily access it from multiple devices, and automatically sync their data, providing an additional layer of convenience and security. These services are available for all types of users. You may be aware of DropBox, Google Drive, and similar providers giving users free cloud storage capacities with a simple sign-up. Repair Lounge highly advises you to grab these free storage spaces!
How Can You Protect Your Data?
If you are handing your phone over for repair, take these extra measures first to protect your data:
- Backup your data
If you are having a simple screen replacement or a more complex device repair, many things can go wrong during the repair that may further damage your device. In the unlikely event that this happens, you can prevent data loss by ensuring your information is always backed up. If you have your smartphone c set on automatic backup, you do not have to manually do it yourself. A second way to backup your phone data is to perform a manual backup through your device settings.
Another method is to plug your device into a computer. For iOS users, backups are seamless as long as you have iTunes installed. For Android users, there are several ways to backup your information. You can do this by transferring files via USB, using third-party software, or syncing your Google account to either Google Drive or Google Backup and Sync.
Even if you are not getting your phone repaired, backing up your data should be done regularly so you can retrieve and access your data anytime, even if you do not have your primary device with you.
- Log out from your accounts and disable passcodes
Some phone repairs may take longer than others. You may have to drop it off and pick it up at a later time. In this event, you should disable passwords and other locks so technicians will be able to easily lock and unlock your device during the repair.
Take care to protect your privacy by logging out of all applications, especially your social media and cloud accounts. Alternatively, there is an application you can download and use that will let you create passwords and secure your files without necessarily logging out from your accounts.
- Remove SIM and external storage cards
Before handing your phone over for repair be sure to remove any external storage cards along with your SIM card. These cards are small and may easily be lost during a repair. If your device is queued for repair, you will be unable to receive and make calls and texts for a period of time, so it is advisable to temporarily insert your SIM card into a secondary or backup phone.
- Wipe out your data
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of logging out of your accounts or downloading privacy applications there is a shortcut. After backing up your device and all its data, you may skip logging out of your accounts by performing a factory reset on your device to wipe everything out. This will ensure no one can access or steal your data.
For iOS users, simply go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Data.
For Android users, go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory Data Reset. Tap Reset phone once the prompt appears.
You can easily retrieve and restore backed-up data after your phone is repaired by either connecting your phone to your PC or downloading your backup directly to your device when you log in to your associated email.
- Make sure you’re working with reputable repair stores
Technology has become so essential that millions of tech repair stores have popped up around the world. With tons of choices out there, it might be difficult for you to find technicians you can trust with your devices and data.
To make sure you’re working with repair shops you can trust, read reviews, view websites, and observe how they handle your queries! It’s also a good idea to ask people you know where they get their device repairs done.
Things to remember
Information is gold these days. As you sign up for more items or services, the amount of data you need to protect grows. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that your data is private and important. When your data falls into the wrong hands, it will lead to problems. People can sell, trade, and use data to earn money. Remember, protect your data by backing it up, using trusted services, and working with reputable technicians that will help you attain your goal — data protection!
