A Guide to Personal Data Backup

In order to migrate your data off of Pepperdine sponsored data storage services, you will need to have some place to store all of your files. This article will serve as an overview of data backup solutions to keeping your data safe and secure in one place.

Common ways to back-up data include the following:

  • Flash or physical drive
  • Online backup services
  • Online cloud storage (like Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive or Apple iCloud)

Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks in the areas of price, ease of use, security, and storage capacity.

Backup Option Comparison

Below is a basic comparison of data backup solutions. These are categorized by paid cloud backup services (I-Drive, etc.) at the top of the list, a physical drive option (flash drive, and lastly cloud storage services (Google Drive, etc.) at the bottom of the list.

ServiceCost /yrEncryption Remote AccessibilityStorage CapacityAdditional Features
I-Drive$79.50 ($59.62 for first year)Private encryption key availableFiles accessable from multiple devices 5 TBMobile app for remote access, can order a physical drive of all your data 
Carbonite$58.99Basic encrypted cloud dataFiles accessable from multiple devices UnlimitedAvailable integrated anti virus software for extra cost
Backblaze$70Private encryption key availableFiles accessable from multiple devices UnlimitedMobile app for remote access, can order a physical drive of all your data 
Flash DriveFixed Cost, $20-$80NANAHowever much you want to buy
Google Drive*$19.99, $29.99, $99.99Basic encryptionAccessible from any device on your Google account100GB for $19.99, 200GB for $29.99, 2TB for $99.99Integration with Google suite applications
iCloud$11.88, $35.88, $119.88Basic encryptionAccessable across Apple devices and online 50GB for $11.88, 200GB for $35.88, 2TB for $119.88Integration with Apple products and services like iPhone photos
One Drive (Microsoft)$19.99, $69.99Basic encryptionAccessable from any device on microsoft account100GB for $19.99, 1TB for $69.991TB option includes Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
*NOTE: Google Drive storage is included for no cost to current students as part of their Google Suite access that includes Pepperdine’s Google email service, Sheets, Slides, and Docs.

Why You May Need a Backup

Getting a backup drive for your files all has to do with assessing your need to protect your data and access your data remotely from the backup. Potential hazards to your data security that may warrant getting a drive include:

  • Viruses and malware that could corrupt, take or delete your data
  • Stolen or damaged computer
  • Corrupted files or accidentally deleted files

Good Practices for Data Backup Maintenance

Wherever you have your data backed up, it is important to make sure you follow some steps to maintain your backup system.

  • Backup Schedules; Set a regular interval to back up your data manually, or set your backup service to update data at a regular time interval. Additionally some services, either automatically or by your choice, will back-up data continuously every time you edit it.
  • Separate your backups – If you are storing your data on physical drives, it may be best to keep your primary device and your backup as disconnected as possible when not updating your files in order to minimize the risk of spreading malware or viruses that could corrupt your data on the backup drive.

If you have any questions about the information in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at support@law.pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-7425.