Reading is great. Tracking makes it stick. Sign up for a free Dashboard to tick off tasks and see your Security Score.
Get my free Dashboard →About 20 minutes to complete
Back up your most important files
Set up automatic backup to the cloud for your photos, documents, and important files. If your device is lost, stolen, or infected with ransomware, a backup means you don't lose everything.
Why this matters
If your device is lost, stolen, damaged, or hit by ransomware, a backup is the only way to recover your photos, documents, and important files. Cloud backup runs automatically in the background and requires almost no ongoing effort once configured.
How to do it
- Decide which files matter most: documents, photos, financial records, and anything irreplaceable.
- Choose a cloud backup service: iCloud (Apple), Google One, or OneDrive (Microsoft/Windows) are already available on most devices.
- Enable automatic backup in your device settings or the chosen service's app — look for 'Back up now' or 'Automatic backup.'
- Check how much storage you have and upgrade if needed — 50 GB costs less than £1 per month on most services.
- Verify your backup worked: open the backup service after 24 hours and confirm your files are visible.
Need a more detailed walkthrough?
Our step-by-step guide explains each action in full detail, with confirmation steps and related tasks.
View full step-by-step guide →Cyber Essentials framework
This task falls under the Secure Configcontrol, one of five areas assessed in the UK's Cyber Essentials scheme. Completing it counts toward your Cyber Essentials alignment. Create a free account to track your progress across all five areas.
Need step-by-step instructions? How to back up your Android phone to Google Drive →
Track your security score for free
Create a free Cyber Nova AI account to tick off tasks like this one, see your Security Score, and stay on top of what you've done and what's still to do.
Start your free security check