A backup is a copy of all your essential files, such as family photos, home videos, documents, and emails. Instead of storing your files in one spot (like your computer or mobile device), you can upload a copy of everything to a safe place.
Losing files is common. One small incident or failure could destroy the important data you value the most. When a computer is damaged or stops working, the stored data — irreplaceable family or vacation photos, videos, or text messages — could be lost forever, unless it has been previously copied or backed up.
According to the Federal Trade Commission at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/protect-your-personal-information-and-data, it is vital to keep your security software, internet browser, and computer updated. Criminals are on the lookout for any weakness they can use to exploit your data. Updating your software regularly as soon as a new version becomes available helps ensure you have the critical patches and defenses in place against security threats.
Check out these facts from the experts at World Backup Day (worldbackupday.com/en):
n 30 percent of all computers are infected with malware.
n 113 phones are lost or stolen every minute.
n 21 percent of computer users have never backed up their data.
n 29 percent of data loss cases are caused by accident.
If you need USPS-approved, encrypted devices (i.e., flash drives and hard drives) to back up your files, they can be purchased through the eBuy+ catalog. Devices purchased outside of the eBuy+ catalog are strictly prohibited and not approved for use with USPS® equipment. A full list of approved removable memory devices can be found on the CyberSafe webpage at blue.usps.gov/cyber.
Employees and contractors are reminded to never store personal data on Postal Service™ computers or devices. For more information about backups, visit blue.usps.gov/cyber or liteblue.usps.gov/cyber, as well as the Monthly Awareness Campaigns page at blue.usps.gov/cyber/communications.htm.
— Corporate Information Security Office
Chief Information Security Officer, 6-29-23
