Security, Storage & Backups
Security
Data Security is the protection of data from unauthorized access, use, change, disclosure and destruction. Make sure your data is safe in regards to:
- Network security
- Keep confidential data off the Internet
- Put sensitive materials on computers not connected to the internet
- Physical Security
- Restrict access to buildings and rooms where computers or media are kept
- Only let trusted individuals troubleshoot computer problems
- Computer Systems & Files
- Keep virus protection up to date
- Don't sent confidential data via e-mail or FTP (use encryption, if you must)
- Use passwords on files and computers
Storage
Things to consider when deciding on where and how to store your data:
- Use files formats that will be useable in the long-term, not dependent on software version
- CD & DVDs' media life are not reliable in the long-term, copy or migrate data to new media between 2 - 5 years after creation
- Appropriate enviornmental conditions will increase the life-span of media
- Consider security concerns listed above
- Make backups of your data
Backups
Keeping reliable backups is an integral part of data management. Regular backups protect against the risk of damage or loss due to hardware failure, software or media faults, viruses or hacking, power failure, or even human errors. It is recommended that you have three backup copies (original, external but local to your institution, and external at a remote location). Check the integrity of your backed-up files using checksum validation. Create a backup schedule, use reliable backup meduim AND test out your backup system by testing file restores. Does all this seem overwhelming? Contact us and we can help you get the process started.
- Personal Computer
- Departmental or University Server
- Home Directory or U.Va. Collab (Storage only)
- Tape Backups
- Subject archive (repository)
- External Hard Drives
- ITC Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM)
- Cloud Storage
- CDs or DVDs are NOT Recommended
