Security : Safe Storage

Important data should be stored safely. Some data may be kept for many years so it is important that :

• Good quality disks or tapes are used to store the data. The use of cheaper media may result in an unacceptably high number of errors when the data is next used.

• Data should be stored in a dust-free environment that is not too hot.

• If the data is stored on a magnetic medium such as magentic disk or tape then the data must be stored away from magnetic fields which could destroy the data. Magnetic fields are generated by equipment such as televisions, loudspeakers and motors and by high voltage power lines.

• Often important data is kept in fireproof, waterproof safes which are designed to survive natural disasters and are hard to break in to.

• A backup is a second copy of some data that is kept so that if the original data is damaged the data will not be lost. If a backup copy is made then it should be stored in a different location to the original data so that anything which damages the original data won't affect the backup as well.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004