Strategies for comprehensive backup

[kylera]

Today, I heard from a classmate that she got hit with ransomware on her Windows laptop. Coupled with the fact that a while back, Transmission once had ransomware injected into an updated version, this got me thinking about upping my backup plan.

At the moment, all I have is Time Machine enabled and continuously making incremental backups. I also have copies of work and school-related materials in Dropbox and a USB key.

What more can I do to further minimize damages in case something happens? Doing a quick search showed me the 3-2-1 strategy - having at least 3 total copies of your data, 2 of which are local but on different mediums (read: devices), and at least 1 copy offsite. How can I actually apply this?

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

CrashPlan or BackBlaze are good options for affordable offsite storage. My office uses CrashPlan and I've been happy with it.

Here's a good read on the subject from Bombich, creators of the excellent Carbon Copy Cloner.
http://bombich.com/blog/2016/03/08/protect-yourself-from-ransomware-carbon-copy-cloner-backup

 

[Fishrrman]

Create a cloned, bootable backup on an external drive using either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper.

Better:
Create TWO cloned backups. Keep one close-at-hand. Store the other one "off-site" at a different location.

 

[jsm4182]

I usually go with a three pronged approach to backup
1) Incremental backups with Time Machine
2) Bootable clone with CarbonCopyCloner
3) Cloud backup with Backblaze

 

[kylera]

Create a cloned, bootable backup on an external drive using either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper.

Better:
Create TWO cloned backups. Keep one close-at-hand. Store the other one "off-site" at a different location.

I usually go with a three pronged approach to backup
1) Incremental backups with Time Machine
2) Bootable clone with CarbonCopyCloner
3) Cloud backup with Backblaze

How often should I create or update bootable clones? Or should this be a clean state, and leave as is?

 

[chscag]

How often should I create or update bootable clones? Or should this be a clean state, and leave as is?

I make a CCC backup every other day, but it depends on your personal usage and what other methods of backup you're currently employing. I also backup with Time Machine. You've received good advice from the previous replies.

 

[kylera]

I make a CCC backup every other day, but it depends on your personal usage and what other methods of backup you're currently employing. I also backup with Time Machine. You've received good advice from the previous replies.

In your case, how wouls you deal with any "sleeper" malware? As in malware that may wreak havoc after a period of time, or some trigger?

 

[robo456]

Trying not to TC, but I used to use MozyPro... do you guys recommend Backblaze or Crashplan over that for offsite/cloud backup?

 

[satcomer]

Tell your classmate that after se cleans her computer for to use OpenDNS.com because she could use some DNS protection be use that service uses PhispTank! This way she can somewhat protect herself from nefarious sites!