Home NCSC Guides Regularly backing up files

Regularly backing up files

Published:

Aug 15, 2025

Updated:

AUG 20, 2025

Who can use this content?

Individuals

Backups are your safety net — if ransomware encrypts your data, your hard drive fails, or files get deleted, you can restore everything quickly.
Without backups, you risk:

  • Permanent loss of important documents, photos, and work files.

  • Paying expensive ransom demands (with no guarantee of recovery).

  • Long downtime for businesses.

Types of backups

Local Backups

Store copies on an external hard drive, USB drive, or network-attached storage (NAS)

Cloud backups

Store files on services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud.

Hybrid backups

A combination of local and cloud backups.

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How to set up regular backups

For Windows

Use ‘File history’ or ‘Backup and restore’ in settings.

For Mac

Use Apple’s built-in backup software, Time Machine.

For Phones

Use built-in cloud backups (Google Drive for Android, iCloud for iOS).