// 20-SECOND CHECK

What would you lose if it died today?

A failed hard drive, a lost laptop or a moment’s ransomware can take everything in an instant. Take 20 seconds to see how safe your photos, documents and records really are.

  • ● Takes 20 seconds
  • ● No sign-up
  • ● Honest answer

QUICK CHECK · 20 SECONDS

If your computer or phone died today, what would hurt most to lose?

ONE MORE

Is it safely backed up somewhere separate?

// GOOD QUESTIONS

Frequently asked

Isn’t OneDrive or iCloud a backup?

Not quite. Cloud sync copies changes everywhere — so if a file is deleted or encrypted by ransomware, that change syncs too. A proper, separate backup keeps older, safe versions. See backup & recovery.

How often should I back up?

Ideally automatically, in the background, so you never have to remember. On a plan we set that up, verify it regularly, and can text you a reminder if your backup needs a drive plugged in.

What’s the 3-2-1 rule?

Three copies of your data, on two types of media, with one kept off-site — the gold standard we set up so a single failure, theft or ransomware can never wipe everything.

Never lose a thing, ever

We set up automatic, verified, ransomware-safe backups and quietly keep an eye on them — included in every monthly plan.

01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM

// HOW IT WORKS

How to check how safe your files are

Your files are only safe if your computer dies when they are copied to a separate backup you have actually tested - cloud sync like OneDrive or iCloud isn't enough on its own, because a deletion or ransomware attack syncs everywhere too.

  • Tested, separate backup: you're in good shape - this is exactly what keeps your files safe.
  • No backup: high risk - a failed drive, theft or ransomware could lose everything for good; worth sorting today.
  • 'I think so' or 'not sure' (untested): the riskiest answer - a backup you've never tested isn't really a backup; check it can actually restore.
  • The 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 types of media, with 1 kept off-site.

Step by step

  1. Pick what matters most — Open the check and choose what would hurt most to lose - photos and memories, documents and emails, business records, or honestly everything.
  2. Say if it's backed up — Tell the tool whether it's safely backed up somewhere separate: yes and tested, you think so, or no.
  3. Read your risk verdict — Get an instant, friendly verdict - in good shape, worth sorting today, or let's make sure - based on how reliable your backup really is.
  4. Test an existing backup — If you only 'think' it's backed up, try restoring a file to prove it works - an untested backup isn't really a backup.
  5. Set up a proper backup — Ask 365 Techies to set up an automatic, verified backup following the 3-2-1 rule so a failure, theft or ransomware can never wipe everything.

Good to know

Would I really lose everything if my computer died today?

If your files only exist on that one computer, then yes - a failed drive, theft or ransomware can wipe them in an instant, and once they're gone they're usually gone for good. A separate, tested backup is what keeps them recoverable.

Why isn't 'I think it's backed up' a safe answer?

Because a backup you've never tested isn't really a backup - drives fail silently, sync quietly stops, and folders get missed. The only way to be sure is to try restoring a file. That's why the check treats 'I think so' as the riskiest answer of all.

Is copying my files to one external hard drive enough?

It's far better than nothing, but a single drive can fail, be lost, stolen or hit by ransomware just like your computer. Keeping a second copy off-site - or in a proper managed backup - means one mishap can never wipe everything at once.