Back to Backups

To keep a copy, print this page or save it as a PDF from your browser.

Salmini Checklist1 page

Data Security · Backups

Backups checklist

Who leads Whoever looks after backups Name

Use it when

you're setting up backups, or testing them every three months.

The 3-2-1 rule

Three copies of anything important, on two types of storage, with one offline or somewhere else.

Make a plan

List what you have and where it lives, papers included.
Start with what would hurt most to lose: finance, case files, interviews, contacts.
A schedule, and who backs up what.
Every backup encrypted.
An offline copy of key contacts and incident procedures.
Phones included, and WhatsApp’s backup encrypted or off.

Test it

Restore one file to a new folder, open it and check it’s the right version.

Files locked and a ransom note

Disconnect the device from the network, but leave it switched on.
Photograph the note, and keep backup drives unplugged.
Get expert help, and don’t rush to pay.

Notes

Take care: Old backups keep old files. When you agree how long to keep something, that goes for its backups too.

Started Done Review again