Data Backup Practices Among Australians: Insights from a Recent Survey

A recent survey by Western Digital reveals that 26% of Australians still neglect backing up their data, despite its growing importance in both personal and professional domains. Conducted by Researchscape with 557 Australian respondents over several weeks in February 2025, the survey shows that while 74% engage in backup practices, primary motivations include the fear of data loss (80%), freeing up space (59%), and safeguarding against cyber threats (37%).

Stefan Mandl, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the APJ region at Western Digital, noted the increasing awareness of data protection among Australians and highlighted World Backup Day’s significance in promoting data security, especially since 48% have experienced data loss due to device failures or cyberattacks.

Key findings include:

• Lack of Backup Knowledge: 41% of non-backup respondents lack knowledge on how to proceed.
• Space Constraints: 25% of respondents cite insufficient storage as a barrier.
• Time Concerns: 29% find the backup process too time-consuming.
• Preference for Automation: 62% would back up more often if the process were automated.

Western Digital emphasizes the 3-2-1 backup strategy—maintaining three copies of data on two types of media, with one stored offsite, typically in the cloud.

The survey also indicated that 55% use free cloud storage, but 39% have run out of space recently, with 52% upgrading to paid plans as costs for cloud services rise. As a response, Australians are diversifying their methods, with 42% using external hard drives and 11% opting for network-attached storage (NAS) solutions, further supported by new products including the 26TB WD Red Pro CMR HDD.

Why It Matters:
Understanding these trends can help inform better data protection strategies, mitigating the risks of data loss across personal and professional landscapes.

Expert Opinions:
Mandl stated, “It’s fantastic to see more people recognizing the importance of protecting their data."

What’s Next?
As data storage demands evolve, continued developments in accessible and efficient backup solutions are expected.

Conclusion:
The survey highlights significant knowledge gaps in personal data backup practices among Australians, pointing to an urgent need for education and improved solutions.

Stay Updated:
Follow Western Digital for ongoing updates on data storage trends and solutions.