11 Essential Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Digital Life in 2025

9. Back Up Your Data—The 3-2-1 Rule

Mistakes happen—and so do ransomware attacks, lost phones, and accidental “oops, I deleted it” moments. The 3-2-1 backup rule is your safety net: keep three copies of your important stuff, two different types of storage (like an external drive and the cloud), and at least one copy stored offsite. Most modern backup apps automate this, so you just pick what’s critical (photos, tax files, contacts) and let the software do the heavy lifting. Cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud offer simple, secure options, and external drives are easier to use (and smaller) than ever. Check your backup now and then—just to be sure everything’s there if disaster strikes. The best part? Knowing a lost or corrupted file isn’t the end of the world—it’s just a minor detour.