Backup - It’s more than you think!

If you've been hanging out with me, you know I encourage setting up an automatic online backup system for the files and folders on your computer. Set it and forget it, and your precious data will be there when you need it most.

But what about all your important information stored online in various apps?

We often act like our favorite productivity app or website will be around forever. I've recently worked with several Evernote clients who lost access to their account—and all their data—because of lost passwords, changed emails, and 2FA problems.

Yikes!

So you already back up your computer files and folders. Good work! But what else should you be backing up? And how often?

• Contacts: Export a copy of your contacts and store it in your documents once a quarter. Make sure all your contacts are on the same account; it's too easy to save them only to your phone, which has no backup.

• Passwords: Export a copy of your passwords and store it in your documents once a quarter. Whether you use a dedicated password manager like 1Password or Last Pass, or use Google Passwords or Apple Keychain, figure out how to export a copy.

• Notes Apps (Evernote, Notion, OneNote, etc.): I only back up my most vital information. Export items you've created like writing or vital personal info (like your TSA number) every other month or so. Reference material can often be found again.

• Backup Codes: Many apps (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) provide a short list of access codes for logging in if your password or 2FA fails. Store these safely in your documents folder.

Do you have other vital information stored in online apps? Now is a great time to take an inventory and figure out what you can't live without—and get it backed up!

If you need recommendations or want some help with the process, reach out!