Summary: If you’re like most people, you definitely don’t have every number in your contact list memorized. The problem with this is, if your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, all of that information is gone for good.

The easiest way to protect yourself from having to recover those numbers is by using an online backup service with mobile backup. Some companies include mobile backup that copies your contact list to their servers, so if your device is ever compromised, you can just download your contacts again to a new one.

For one of the only backup services that covers your contact list, get iDrive now.

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Why Are My Files at Risk?

If you haven’t backed up your devices yet, it’s time to really consider what you could lose. All it takes is one accident for everything you have on them to be gone for good, from photos and documents, to the ever important contact list.

Most of us have no hard copy of our contacts anymore, and absolutely no idea what anyone’s phone number is. Convenience comes at a price, and in this case, it has definitely been the security of our information. You can start jotting every number down into a phone book, or you can start backing up your devices.

How Does Online Backup Work?

Online backup services work by copying your files and uploading them to a secure, remote server.

When you sign up for a service plan, you download apps and software for your devices. These programs usually start automatically backing up your device, and from there will continue to back up any other files that are added or modified.

If your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, restoring your files and contacts is as simple as downloading them again from their servers.

Top 3 Online Backup Services for Contacts

It may sound simple, but believe it or not, not every company includes contacts with their mobile backup options. The backup services below are just a sampling of what’s out there. Here I’ll explain what they have to offer, how their service plans work, and whether or not they cover contact list backup.

#1 Choice:  iDrive – 9/10 – Complete mobile backup

iDrive is one of the few backup services that also includes complete mobile backup. Most companies only take care of your photos and videos, but iDrive also backs up the apps and contact information on your devices.

Their apps also give you access to any of your backed up files thanks to their syncing feature, and you can even share files with a private link to a folder you set up.

iDrive is also compatible with Windows, PC, and Linux devices, and their apps include the ability to share files privately. All you have to do is set up a private folder and share the link, and you have a secure, private way to share files.

iDrive is definitely one of the more secure online backup services you’re going to find. Their storage is geo-redundant, and they protect your files with end to end encryption, so even if they’re intercepted, the information is still completely private.

You also get the option to set a private encryption key, and a remote wipe feature for if your device is ever stolen.

On top of all of this, iDrive includes 1 TB of storage space, and all for just $45 per year. You can also take their service out for a test spin with their free trial, which includes 5 GB of storage space. Test drive it first, but chances are, you’re going to love this all-inclusive backup service.

For the most reliable backup of your contacts, get iDrive today.

#2:  CrashPlan – 7/10 – Unlimited storage space, but no mobile backup

CrashPlan is a great backup service for users that just have external hard drives and computers to back up, but if you have mobile devices, it’s worth noting that their apps won’t actually back them up.

While CrashPlan does have apps for Apple and Android devices, these apps are purely for account access and file syncing – unlike iDrive, they won’t be able to back up your contacts or any other files.

However, CrashPlan is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems, and their service plans come with unlimited storage. You can back them all up under one service plan for about $60 per year.

Their plans come with unlimited storage space, file versioning, and file recovery too, so you never have to worry about losing any of your modified documents.

While CrashPlan’s security doesn’t quite match iDrive’s, their service is pretty well rounded. They provide your files with end to end encryption, so they’re safe and secure during upload and storage, and they also give you the option of using a private encryption key.

They even have the same remote wipe feature that iDrive offers to protect your personal information if your device is ever stolen.

However, keep in mind that CrashPlan’s service isn’t geo redundant – if their data center is damaged, your backed up files are gone for good. It’s also worth noting that you can’t share files with CrashPlan – this is strictly a backup service. For geo-redundancy and file sharing, stick with iDrive.

CrashPlan can be found at this website.

#3: Acronis– 5/10 – Expensive, no remote wipe feature

Acronis‘s backup service is definitely one of the pricier ones. Not only does it lack a lot of the features that you’re going to get with iDrive, but it really pushes it when it comes to how much they charge.

For starters, their basic plan that is $50 per year only covers the backup of a PC. If you have a Mac, mobile device, or external hard drive you want to back up, you’ll need to sign up for their premium service plan, which quickly jumps to $75 a year – yikes.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Acronis’s backup service isn’t even that great. Their one perk is their unlimited storage space, but with no file recovery or geo redundancy, you’re going to get way better security with iDrive.

Another thing to keep in mind when you looking at backup options for your contact information is the problems that theft poses. If someone steals your device, they can easily use that highly personal contact information to scam your friends and family.

Remote wipe features are a must have for this reason, but again, something you’re not going to get with Acronis.

Ultimately, there are just a lot better options out there for a much better price than what you’ll get with Acronis. You can get way better contact protection for about $30 less with iDrive.

Acronis is here.

Conclusion: Use iDrive for Secure Backup Anytime, Anywhere

There is a lot at stake when your device becomes stolen or damaged, but your contact list is huge. Everyone from friends and family to business correspondences can be lost, and even put at risk.

If this is your main reason for looking into an online backup service, there are just a few key features that are the most important:

• complete mobile backup­ – contacts, photos, videos, and apps
• geo redundancy – to protect your data from permanent loss
• remote wipe – protect your contacts from being exploited

With iDrive’s online backup service, you’ll also get:

• secure encryption during backup and storage
• secure file sharing to share only what you want with friends and family
• a great price for great service

For the best backup service to protect you contact information, get iDrive today.