Important information, including databases, e-mail, financial information, medical records, and research data, are essential to the functioning of the University. Data protection is important to the individuals using the data, departments, and the University as a whole.

Please take the time to assess whether your computer data is being adequately protected. It’s much easier to protect your data proactively, than it is to try to recover unprotected data after the fact. There are a number of methods that should be in place to ensure your data is protected: complex passwords, changed regularly; password-protected screen savers; data encryption (for laptops); and of course, regular backup of the data.

A good data backup plan should include the following:

• Designation of a responsible person to handle backups
• A schedule for regular backups
• The scope of backups (all the data, only changed data, etc.)
• The type of information to be backed up (databases, e-mail, etc.)
• Type of media to be used (tape, CD-ROMs, other hard drives, etc.)
• Onsite and offsite storage of backups
• Facilities to support recovery operations
• Testing restoration of data
• Retention period (to comply with applicable federal, state, regulatory requirements and agreements)

While computer systems are generally reliable, data on computer systems are inherently at risk. Taking proactive steps to protect your data can prevent the loss of data in the event of:

• Computer hardware failure
• Software failure
• User error
• Administrator error
• Hacking and vandalism
• Theft
• Natural disasters
• Unforeseeable accidents