Originally Posted by
Kuzano
Are the backups encrypted by the program you are talking about (Time Machine) AND have you ever done a test restore to see if the backup/restore function meets your expectations.
Frankly, I work mostly with PC backups and do not encourage the use of backups that encrypt the data (compression and encrypted format) for the sake of image files. Secondly. I would much rather use a system or build a batch file that copies uncompressed non-encrypted files to a storage drive.
And in the 15 years I have worked on networks and single computers, I can't tell you the number of times I've seen systems where it appeared that all the right steps were taken, and restores were not properly functional.
Also, any program that encrypts data into one single large file, to be unfolded at restoration, implies that the same program that created the encrypted file will still be in use or available to re-install to get at the encrypted data. Then there is the issue of progressive backups which simpy create a file from the last backup. So, where is the file you may need for a partial restore.
Many people take all the "right" or suggested steps to protect their files, but stop short of a full understanding of the actual process chosen.
That's one of the strong points of raid... two drives writing concurrently inside the machine, both with all the files individually accessible. Then for off site (house fire?, theft of computer?) a separate high quality external drive with the files copied to it manually or a scheduled batch file, but not an encrypted process.
In fact, the bottom line on encryption as most backup programs do, is whether there is any impact on quality by the compression process used.
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