📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how to securely handle backups on a Windows 7 system, with the original poster seeking ways to make a USB backup drive unavailable to potential threats while remaining connected. Respondents recommend physically unplugging the drive for enhanced security and suggest storing backups in different physical locations or in a safe deposit box to protect against theft, fire, or damage. The overall consensus emphasizes physical separation and electrical isolation as effective security measures, with some users considering additional storage safety protocols.
CaptMorgan

CaptMorgan

Honorable Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2009
Messages
12
Thread Author #1
I'm running regular backups on my Windows 7 computer. My destination for most backups is a USB 3.0 hard drive. I have several internal hard drives that I also use, but I'm using the USB drive so that I can totally isolate the backup files from anyone out there who wants to do harm to my system. My plan for now is to do a full backup every week or so without a schedule set so that I can connect the USB drive, do the backup, then physically disconnect the drive from the computer until the next backup.
My question is, is there any other way to make the USB drive totally unavailable to anyone while still leaving it connected to the computer, or should I continue with my current method. The USB 3.0 ports are on the back of the computer and not real easy to access without getting on my hands and knees.
 

Sort by date Sort by votes
patcooke

patcooke

Microsoft MVP
Microsoft MVP
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
5,688
#2
I would unplug it anyway in order to keep it stored in a physically separate place from the computer. This is more secure in terms of possible physical damage or loss. I have three backup copies of my system and they are all in different physical locations in case of loss due to power surges, fire, theft . . . you name it.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
CaptMorgan

CaptMorgan

Honorable Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2009
Messages
12
Thread Author #3
That's a very good point. I consider theft and fire as the most likely disasters, hardware/software failures notwithstanding. The drive will be much safer stored in a safe. I may consider storing a semi-annual backup in the bank safe deposit box too.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
D

dasiebe

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2013
Messages
3
#4
There's another good reason for external disks. Electrical isolation. If you've ever seen a power supply fail and put hv ac all through a system you know what I'm saying. A physically, electrically isolated backup should save you.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.