Everyone needs a good back-up plan. CrashPlan from Code 42 makes backing up and security your data easy. Setting up CrashPlan is a breeze and can be implemented in three easy steps.

Code 42 has three different ways of providing backup. You have the option to back up to local drives and computers, offsite drives and computers or online to CrashPlan Central. You can combine all three.

Data security and privacy concerns are addressed by employing a multi-layered security model that includes transmission security, account security (access), password security, encryption security and secure messaging. On the application side, CrashPlan runs within the confines of a secure Java virtual machine using industry standard cryptographic algorithms.

Your first line of defense is a password protected user interface. You can require that CrashPlan prompt you for a password every time the application is launched to prevent unauthorized access to your archived data and backup settings. The account password is never stored or transmitted in plain text.

The second line of defense appears before your data ever leaves your machine. Backup data is encrypted with a 128-bit key for free users with 448-bit encryption available for CrashPlan Central subscribers. Backup transmission is then scrambled using 128-bit encryption. Keys are created using a secure random number generator and are escrowed with your archive at each destination so you can restore your files should you lose your computer. Archive encryption keys can be secured with your account password or a private password. For the ultimate level of protection, you can replace the CrashPlan-generated key with your own data key

In addition to the security measures built into CrashPlan software, backing up online to CrashPlan Central—the cloud destination—offers the added protection of our state-of-the-art data storage facility. Your backup is stored in one of Code 42’s data centers located throughout the US and around the world. All the data centers comply with data storage industry standards for physical access security and are monitored 24/7.

In addition, power redundancy, climate controls and fire suppression systems guarantee very high availability and resistance to failure. The facilities themselves protect CrashPlan’s infrastructure from physical harm.

The free mobile app is another reason to give a subscription to the CrashPlan Central cloud a go. Along with continuous protection of your entire digital life, you’ll enjoy ready access to the files in your online backup anytime, from virtually anywhere.

CrashPlan is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. There are two backup plans, either of which you can have for substantially discounted prices if you prepay for anywhere from one to four years.

CrashPlan Unlimited lets you backup an unlimited amount of data. No restrictions. The Unlimited plan also only allows backup from a single computer. Pricing starts at US$5.99 per month. Details can be found at http://bit.ly/1kHeEJO .