Research Data Management: Data Backups

Backing up your data helps avoid data loss due to your laptop getting stolen, your device crashing, a natural disaster, etc. It's best practice to keep your data backed up on at least three different devices: here, near, and far.

    HERE: Your computer.

            Image by Sara Torda from Pixabay

NEAR: An external hard drive away from your computer.

             Publicdomainvectors.org

     FAR: Use a cloud storage service.*

        Image by LucusTimotei from Pixabay

*If your research data includes identifiable health information of study participants, be aware that not all cloud storage services are HIPAA compliant.

NOTE: backing up your data is not the same as preserving your data.

When using a device to store your research data, keep in mind that these devices have a limited lifespan. Consider the following:

• Use an external solid state hard drive. They'll last the longest.
• Avoid relying on CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives as your primary storage device. They can be easily lost or damaged.
• Transfer your data to new storage devices every now and then to avoid hard drive crashes, in addition to keeping up with technological advances.

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