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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how to keep data safe and how backups can support device recovery.

Key learning points

  1. A backup is a copy of important data stored somewhere safe. This could be online or on another device.
  2. Backups protect information if something goes wrong. Regular backups ensure no recent data is lost.
  3. Accounts link data and settings to the user, not just the device.
  4. This makes it possible to access information on a new or replacement device.
  5. If a device is lost, personal data may be accessed by others.

Keywords

  • Backup - an extra copy of data stored in a different place

  • Recovery - to retrieve and restore data that was lost, or access to a system

  • Cloud - a network of remote servers that can be accessed using the internet

Common misconception

It is always possible to recover lost data.

It is not always possible to recover lost data because it may have been permanently deleted, corrupted, or the storage device may be damaged.

Teacher tip

You have may have backup systems in place in school that pupils are familiar with. Perhaps discuss these as part of learning cycle one.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is data?

a computer program
Correct answer: information stored without context
a cloud service

Q2.
Which device is most likely to store homework files?

a paper notebook
a games console
Correct answer: a laptop

Q3.
Why do people use passwords on devices and online accounts?

to download apps
Correct answer: to protect their information
to make the device faster

Q4.
What could happen if a device is lost or damaged?

the device updates itself
the internet stops working
Correct answer: files and photos could be lost

Q5.
Who should be able to access your personal accounts?

anyone
friends
Correct answer: only you and trusted adults

Q6.
Why can losing data be stressful?

Correct answer: lost work may not be easy to replace
apps stop updating
you can easily replace your work

6 Questions

Q1.
A is an extra copy of data stored in a different place.

Correct Answer: backup

Q2.
Why is keeping data safe important?

Correct answer: work could be lost forever
lost data can always be recovered
devices work faster

Q3.
Match the cause of data loss to the example.

Correct Answer:device damage,tablet dropped in water

tablet dropped in water

Correct Answer:accidental loss,file deleted by mistake

file deleted by mistake

Correct Answer:theft,device is stolen

device is stolen

Correct Answer:deliberate loss,virus deletes files

virus deletes files

Q4.
Which of the following is a local backup?

cloud storage
Google Drive
Correct answer: external hard drive
OneDrive

Q5.
Accounts support by helping prove who you are if you lose access.

Correct Answer: recovery

Q6.
Which action helps reduce the risk of unauthorised access if a device is stolen?

Correct answer: using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
turning off backups
sharing passwords

To help you plan your 6 digital literacy lesson on: Backups and keeping data safe, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...