World Backup Day: Easy Ways to Protect Your Data

Experts share tips to safeguard photos, emails, and files before device failures.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:08am

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World Backup Day is a reminder that the photos, emails, and documents stored on phones, laptops, and other connected devices can disappear in an instant if they're not properly protected. The National Cybersecurity Alliance reports that while most people say they want to protect their data, 5% admit they're too busy to take extra steps until something goes wrong.

Why it matters

With smartphones now functioning as full-fledged computers, it's critical for people to have a backup plan in place to prevent the permanent loss of important personal and professional data in the event of a device failure or cyberattack.

The details

The Better Business Bureau recommends following the '3-2-1' backup rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy stored off-site. This could mean using both cloud storage and an external hard drive. Experts also advise keeping software updated to prevent crashes, bugs, and cyberattacks, and setting a weekly reminder to back up devices so any failure doesn't become permanent.

  • World Backup Day is observed annually on March 31.

The players

National Cybersecurity Alliance

A non-profit organization focused on cybersecurity education and awareness.

Better Business Bureau

A non-profit organization that sets standards for ethical business behavior and provides consumer education.

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What they’re saying

“While most people say they want to protect their data, 5% admit they're too busy to take extra steps until something goes wrong.”

— National Cybersecurity Alliance

“It's easy to miss a critical opportunity — like losing an important email to a laptop crash or having a phone unexpectedly power off right as you're trying to capture a big moment.”

— Better Business Bureau

What’s next

World Backup Day is observed annually on March 31, providing a regular reminder for people to review and update their data backup strategies.

The takeaway

In an era where our digital lives are increasingly reliant on smartphones, laptops, and connected devices, taking proactive steps to safeguard important data through regular backups is essential to prevent the permanent loss of irreplaceable personal and professional information.