Backup and Storage
Where you store your data will depend on the nature of your data. You should check the storage options to make sure it is appropriate for the type of data you will collect. The USU Data Quick Reference Chart tells you at a glance where it's appropriate to store your data. The Data Classification Quick Reference Guide describes types of data in each category. View the USU Data Handling Requirements to determine if your data type requires special handling or storage.
Wherever your data is stored, you need a plan for backing it up. Document this plan and describe it in your data management plan.
Three Copies of your files on
Two Different Locations with
One - More than One Storage Media
This can be accomplished in a number of ways:
Save your data to your desktop, to an external hard drive, and to Box. Save your data to your desktop, a departmental sever and to Box. For a short video explaining the 3-2-1 rule in more detail, see the University of Wisconsin Data Services Video.
If you are using USU's Box cloud storage as an option, you may wish to describe the features to your funders. Here is an example you can use or modify:
Box.com is a cloud storage system used by Utah State University. Files are backed up nightly at multiple sites. Box.com ensures data integrity, includes version control, and is password controlled, encrypted and both FERPA and HIPAA compliant.
Storage Options
Option | Size and Cost | Access & Security | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
USU Box | Free to USU faculty, staff get unlimited storage and students 50 GB storage | Password controlled, encrypted, and HIPAA compliant | Cloud storage system used by USU |
External Hard Drive | Varies | Not secure; no sharing | Easily stolen; keep in locked area |
Computer hard drive | Varies | Secure if encrypted; password protected | |
Hard copies | Varies | Limited access and sharing; must be protected from damage (fire, flood) and theft. | If hard copies are origianal; should have digital back up |
Departmental server | Varies | Many departments no longer provide access | Verify back up schedules |
High-performance Computing (HPC) | Varies | Limited to authorized users; secure | |
Flash drive or thumb drive | Easy to share but very poor security and very high risk for loss or theft | Not recommended for storage; only for short term transfer | |
DVD or CD | Not recommended; obsolete | ||
Tape back up system | Difficult to access data |