DIGITAL TIP: The 3-2-1 rule is key to protecting treasured and sensitive data. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

(StatePoint) – Nowadays, organizing your digital possessions, such as beloved photos and videos, and backing up important data, like school and business records, is just as important as keeping your physical surroundings orderly.

Why is backing up data so important? Because so many things can go wrong: from spilling water on your laptop to losing your phone to experiencing a natural disaster. Plus, there’s cybersecurity to think about — a PC infected by malware is a common cause of data loss.

If you’re like most people and have precious data you want to protect, a common rule of thumb for keeping important files from disappearing forever is the 3-2-1 rule:

• Have three total copies of your data.

• Save copies on two different types of media or devices.

• Keep one backup copy off-site in case of disaster.

“Whether it’s a senior thesis, your business plan or cherished family photos and videos, if it’s important to you, back it up,” says Nitin Kachhwaha, director of product management, Western Digital.

“Having a practical 3-2-1 backup strategy in place is essential to providing peace of mind and preserving your files for the future.”

If you’re looking for storage solutions to back up your data, one great option is the My Book desktop drive from WD, which is designed to complement your life with massive space to store your files, ranging from 4TB to 22TB of capacity.

An alternative option from the WD brand is the popular and portable My Passport Ultra hard drive that comes with storage up to 6TB, which is the world’s highest capacity 2.5-inch drive. This is a great storage companion for those with an on-the-go lifestyle, equipped with password protection for an extra level of security. (Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.)

Both come with automatic backup software so you can maintain peace of mind knowing that you are helping keep your data safe. For more information and backup solution ideas, visit wd.com.

These days, decluttering doesn’t just refer to nixing household clutter and cleaning out closets, it also includes organizing your digital life by helping to protect your treasured and sensitive data.