This 40-page ebook is the result of answering many questions about backup strategy and online photo security. This is Part 1 of a multi-part Workflow series.

BONUS! This download includes the slideshow from my 3-hour Photographer's Workflow class, which includes additional information about Asset Management workflow in Adobe Lightroom.

BONUS! The slideshow has been updated in January 2020!

I get a lot of questions about backup strategy. I put together this 40-page ebook to provide more meat to my Workflow class. You will read about my methods of maintaining file and data security, as well as my 3-layer backup system.

The eBook also describes ways to save money on backups, and how to make sure your data is safe in the event of a mechanical failure, natural disaster, or "oops" moments.

Table of Contents:

Introduction......................................................................................................................... 5

Chapter 1: Description of My System Setup, And Me........................................................... 7

Section 1.1 – About My Setup....................................................................................................... 7

Section 1.2 – About Me................................................................................................................ 7

Chapter 2: Security.............................................................................................................. 8

Section 2.1 – The Story of Bob’s Laptop........................................................................................ 8

Section 2.2 – Simple Security Fundamentals................................................................................ 9

Using Encryption........................................................................................................................ 9

Using Strong Passwords........................................................................................................... 10

Section 2.3 – An Embarrassing Story About Me........................................................................ 11

Section 2.4 – Managing Passwords.......................................................................................... 12

Section 2.5 – Photographers and Security................................................................................ 14

Chapter 3: Backup Management........................................................................................ 15

Section 3.1 - CDs and DVDs Are Forever, Right? (No.)............................................................... 15

Section 3.2 - All Forms of Data Storage Die............................................................................... 16

Section 3.3 - Backup Strategy Must be Flexible........................................................................... 17

Section 3.4 - Threats to Your Data............................................................................................. 17

Section 3.4 - 3 Types of File Storage........................................................................................... 19

Working Files on your Hard Drive............................................................................................ 19

External Drives (USB, NAS)...................................................................................................... 20

External Drive Types................................................................................................................ 22

Wire-attached Drives............................................................................................................. 23

Network Attached Storage (NAS)............................................................................................ 24

Off-site Backups....................................................................................................................... 24

Off-Site External Storage....................................................................................................... 25

In The “Cloud” Backups.......................................................................................................... 26

DIY “Cloud” Backups.............................................................................................................. 27

That one “Cloud” Pitfall......................................................................................................... 28

Some Cloud-Based Backup Options.......................................................................................... 28

Section 3.5 - The 3-Part Backup Strategy..................................................................................... 29

Part 1 - “Working” Files........................................................................................................... 30

Part 2 - Automated, External Backups....................................................................................... 30

Part 3 - Offsite Backups............................................................................................................ 31

Section 3.6 - My Backup Strategy............................................................................................... 31

My Part 1: Working Files on a Drobo...................................................................................... 32

My Part 2: External Drive........................................................................................................ 34

My Part 3: Off-Site with CrashPlan.......................................................................................... 35

CrashPlan Options................................................................................................................. 35

CrashPlan Security Options.................................................................................................... 37

CrashPlan Settings................................................................................................................ 38

Restoring Files from CrashPlan............................................................................................... 38