Data storage and backup
Every student, staff, and researcher at the University of Minnesota has access to networked, backed-up data storage. Campus storage options are better than DIY approaches, like storing data on external hard drives, because they are protected, monitored, and well backed-up.
Self-help options
You have multiple options for self-help storage:
- Compare options for U of M data storage using the Data Storage Selection Tool.
- Not sure where to start, reach out to the Research Cyberinfrastructure Champion Network.
- Sensitive data concerns? Use this questionnaire tool to identify the security classification for your data.
Google Drive: free, backed-up, and unlimited
U of M affiliates have unlimited data storage on Google Drive. This is not recommended for sensitive or highly restricted data.
Box: sensitive storage
Box Secure Storage is a secure environment intended for storing, sharing and accessing sensitive and private-highly restricted files.
3-2-1 rule of backup
If you are going to storage your own data on personal devices, consider using the 3-2-1 rule for backup.
- 3 separate copies of the data
- 2 different storage media devices (e.g., a working copy on your laptop and a backup copy on the cloud)
- 1 copy must be physically off-site from your location (in case of natural disaster, fire, theft, etc.)
Last Updated: Oct 24, 2023 11:59 AM
URL: https://libguides.umn.edu/datamanagement