Back Up To The Cloud
Backing up to the cloud protects your data from hardware failure, theft, accidental deletion, and ransomware. SecureCloud keeps your files in New Zealand, encrypted, and under your control. This article gives practical steps to back up your data and maintain it over time.
Why back up to SecureCloud
Hard drives fail. Laptops get stolen. Phones crash. In 2024, New Zealand businesses reported over 3,000 ransomware attacks. Without a backup, these incidents can cause permanent data loss.
SecureCloud keeps files local to New Zealand, protected by end-to-end encryption. You decide who can access your data and how long it’s stored.
Example: A small Christchurch accounting firm suffered a server crash. Files stored on SecureCloud were immediately recoverable, preventing disruption to client services.
Step 1: Identify files to back up
Decide which files are critical. Include documents, photos, financial records, client files, and project work.
Example: A marketing agency backs up campaign assets, client contracts, and templates while leaving temporary files off the cloud to save storage.
Keeping the list focused reduces backup size and ensures critical data is protected.
Step 2: Organise your files
Organise files into clear folder structures before uploading. This simplifies retrieval and ongoing backups.
Suggested structure: • Finance • Legal • Clients • Projects • Personal
Example: A design studio separates active projects from archived ones. Active folders sync automatically while archives update monthly.
Clear organisation reduces clutter and prevents mistakes during recovery.
Step 3: Install SecureCloud Drive
Download SecureCloud Drive on your PC or Mac. This tool keeps folders synced automatically with your cloud storage.
Example: You create a “Critical Docs” folder locally. SecureCloud Drive uploads files automatically and keeps them updated in the cloud.
Automatic syncing reduces the risk of forgetting to back up files manually.
Step 4: Upload files manually (optional)
For occasional backups, use the web interface to upload files directly. Drag and drop folders or individual files to the cloud.
Example: A user uploads 50GB of scanned contracts to SecureCloud in one session. Once uploaded, they are accessible from any device.
Manual uploads work for one-off backups or large files not stored in synced folders.
Step 5: Enable versioning
SecureCloud keeps previous file versions. If you overwrite a file by mistake, you can restore an earlier version.
Example: A lawyer edits a contract multiple times. Versioning ensures the original draft remains available for reference.
Versioning prevents accidental changes from causing permanent data loss.
Step 6: Set permissions
Decide who can access your backup folders. Limit access to necessary users.
Example: HR documents are only accessible to HR staff and management. Finance files remain restricted to accountants.
Permissions protect sensitive information from internal or external breaches.
Step 7: Test your backup
Verify that files upload and open correctly. Check a sample of documents, spreadsheets, and images.
Example: A photographer checks 50 random RAW images after uploading 1TB of files. All files open correctly, confirming a successful backup.
Testing ensures your backup is reliable when you need it most.
Step 8: Schedule regular backups
Backups are not one-off tasks. Use SecureCloud Drive to sync daily or weekly.
Example: A construction firm sets automatic weekly backups of project folders. Employees know any changes during the week are saved automatically.
Regular backups reduce the risk of losing important files between manual uploads.
Step 9: Enable two-factor authentication
SecureCloud supports two-factor authentication. This adds a verification step beyond your password.
Example: Staff log in using a password plus a code from their phone. Even if a password is stolen, unauthorised access is blocked.
2FA keeps your data secure from online attacks.
Step 10: Keep local copies
While cloud backup protects against device failure, keeping a local copy adds redundancy. Store on an encrypted external drive or NAS.
Example: A small business maintains a monthly snapshot of critical files locally in addition to cloud storage.
Multiple backup locations reduce the risk of total data loss.
Practical scenario
A Wellington law firm backs up 500GB of case files using SecureCloud:
- Organises folders by client and case type
- Installs SecureCloud Drive for automatic syncing
- Enables versioning for critical contracts
- Sets permissions for relevant staff only
- Maintains local copies on an encrypted drive
Files are protected, accessible, and recoverable even in case of hardware failure.
Benefits of backing up to SecureCloud • Files remain in New Zealand under local privacy laws • End-to-end encryption protects data • Automatic syncing keeps backups current • Versioning allows file recovery • Local support is available for troubleshooting
SecureCloud provides peace of mind, ensuring your files are safe and accessible.
Tips for effective cloud backups • Remove duplicates before uploading • Keep folders structured • Schedule automatic syncs • Test backups regularly • Maintain redundant local copies
Following these steps ensures your data is secure, organised, and recoverable.
Final thoughts
Leaving files unbacked or only on local drives exposes you to data loss. Backing up to SecureCloud gives you control, security, and accessibility.
Set up your folders, enable SecureCloud Drive, and start backing up today. Protect your files from loss and interruptions before it’s too late.