World Backup Day is on March 31st—a timely reminder to safeguard your digital memories. Our photos, videos, documents, and audio recordings are vulnerable to hard drive failures, accidental deletions, and cloud service issues. Implementing a solid backup strategy ensures these precious moments remain protected for the future.

What Counts as a Digital Memory?

Digital preservation includes many types of files. Photos and videos stored on your phone, computer, or external hard drive capture life’s most important events. Voice recordings of loved ones, family interviews, and personal messages are invaluable pieces of family history preservation. Scanned documents, such as letters, journals, and historical records, help keep stories alive. Even digital scrapbooks, slideshows, and creative projects hold sentimental value and should be safely archived in a permanent cloud storage solution.

Common Backup Mistakes

Many people assume their files are safe just because they exist digitally, but data loss can happen unexpectedly. Relying on a single storage location—like your phone or computer—can be risky, as devices fail, get lost, or stop functioning. Some believe social media or free cloud services act as long-term storage solutions, but these platforms aren’t designed for secure backups and may delete inactive accounts. Others fail to schedule regular backups, leaving gaps in their data security. Even with backups in place, poor file organization can make it difficult to locate important memories when needed.

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule

A well-rounded backup strategy ensures your photos and videos are never lost. The 3-2-1 Backup Rule conceived by U.S. photographer Peter Krogh is a simple yet effective approach:

• Keep three copies of your most important files.

• Store them on two different types of storage (such as an external hard drive and cloud backup).

• Ensure one copy is stored offsite—ideally in a permanent cloud storage service that guarantees long-term accessibility and security.

Choosing the Right Backup Solution

There are several ways to ensure data loss prevention, each with its pros and cons. External hard drives provide local backups, but they can fail or be misplaced. Cloud backup services offer accessibility but may delete files if an account is inactive or unpaid. Photo organization platforms help manage digital archives, but not all provide long-term storage security. FOREVER® Storage, however, offers more than just a backup. It provides permanent, secure storage with built-in photo organization tools such as albums, facial recognition, and detailed descriptions. Additionally, FOREVER® allows for easy sharing and collaboration, ensuring that family history preservation remains intact for future generations.

How to Get Started with Your Backup Plan

Taking the first step in protecting your digital memories can feel overwhelming, but a simple plan makes it manageable:

• Assess your current photo storage and file organization. Are your files scattered across multiple devices? Start by centralizing your digital archive so you can see what you have, identify gaps, and improve accessibility.

• Choose a backup strategy that works for you—including an external hard drive and a permanent cloud storage solution like FOREVER®.

• Schedule regular maintenance of your memory-keeping system. Set a recurring reminder to back up your files automatically by copying them to an external drive and uploading them to your long-term storage solution. Consistently updating your secure backups ensures data protection and peace of mind.

• Organize and label your files. Adding detailed descriptions provides context and meaning, making them easier to search and more engaging for future generations. Thoughtfully labeled digital files transform them into cherished stories that can be shared for years to come.

• Take action today—a little effort now will preserve a lifetime of memories.

Studies have shown that many people never back up their files. For instance, a 2023 survey by Backblaze revealed that 18% of Americans who own a computer have never backed up their data. No matter what backup strategy you choose to protect your memories, the most important step is to establish and maintain a backup plan. Need help getting started? Reach out today for guidance on how to safeguard your digital archive. Take the initiative this World Backup Day and secure your precious digital memories for generations to come!

Join Us for FOREVER Wherever – World Backup Day Event!

To learn more about digital preservation and secure backup solutions, join us for FOREVER Wherever, a special World Backup Day event!

📅 Date: Monday, March 31st
⏰ Time: 8:00-8:55pm ET (5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT)
🔗 Zoom Link: tinyurl.com/ForeverEducation

This free online session will provide expert tips on memory-keeping, cloud storage, and long-term preservation. Don’t miss this chance to take control of your digital legacy! See you there! 😊