Overview
DTS doesn't recommend this as your sole method for saving or backing up your important files, but if your storage needs exceed what is offered by cloud storage options at USC, you can consider using an external storage device.
Requirements
Caveats
- The device must be connected to your computer in order for backups to take place
- As a physical piece of equipment, the device can get lost, damaged, or stolen, just as your computer can
- In some cases, you may not be able to back up multiple computers to the same device
Choosing an external storage device
External storage devices must be purchased through the DTS service catalog. We offer the following options:
Email DTS at ts@dornsife.usc.edu if you would like a consultation. Typically we recommend Western Digital, with the 1 TB storage option being sufficient for most staff.
Setting up an external storage device
Step 1: Set up encryption on the device
All of the device options that DTS offers include encryption software, which you must set up before you begin storing USC data on the device. After you encrypt the device, you can begin copying files from your computer to the device.
Be aware that if you forget or lose the password you create when encrypting the device, DTS cannot recover it. To prevent password loss, you can save the password in 1Password Password Manager.
The software should automatically launch when you connect the storage device to your computer. If it does not launch, use File Explorer on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac to open the device and install the software. If you don't see the software, it's possible that the device has been formatted or erased, causing the software to be removed. If this is the case, you can typically download the software from the device manufacturer's website.
Setting up Western Digital encryption software
If you purchased a Western Digital My Passport, you can follow our guide to encrypt the device:
Step 2: Back up your computer files to the device
Now that the device is encrypted, you can begin backing up computer files to the device.
Option 1: Manual backup
- Advantage: The device can be opened on any computer, Windows or Mac.
- Disadvantage: You must remember to manually copy files over when they are updated.
To perform a manual backup, connect the device to the computer and then manually copy files using File Explorer on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac.
Option 2: Automatic backup
- Advantage: Any time you connect the device to the computer, it will automatically update the device for any file changes.
- Disadvantage: If you use Time Machine, the device can only be opened by a Mac and not by Windows computers.
To perform an automatic backup, connect the device to the computer. Then, use File History on a Windows PC or Time Machine on a Mac.
Using 1Password to save your password
If you forget or lose the password you create when encrypting the device, you will be unable to unlock the device. To prevent password loss, you can save your password in 1Password, a USC-approved password manager.
If you do not have a 1Password account, you can request one from DTS. Then, follow our guide to set up 1Password:
Once you set up your 1Password account, you can add the password for the external storage device:
Add the password on the 1Password website
If this is your first time signing into the 1Password website in the browser, or you are using an incognito or private window, you will need to use the 1Password app on your computer to complete sign-in.
Quick guide
- Go to https://uscit.1password.com.
- Type your USC email address and click Continue.
- Click Sign in with USC SSO.
- If you are prompted to sign in:
- The Shibboleth page appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo page appears. Complete the verification.
- If this is your first time signing into the 1Password website in this browser, or you are using an incognito or private window, 1Password will prompt you to open the 1Password app on your computer: you must transfer an encryption key to complete sign-in.
- Open the vault you want to store the password in.
- Click + New Item in the upper right.
- Click Create one new item.
- Click Password.
- Fill out the form, and click Save. The username field can be left blank, but make sure you create a descriptive title for the password.
- The password is now saved to your 1Password account.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Go to https://uscit.1password.com.
- Type your USC email address and click Continue.
- Click Sign in with USC SSO.
- If you are prompted to sign in:
- The Shibboleth page appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo page appears. Complete the verification.
- If this is your first time signing into the 1Password website in this browser, or you are using an incognito or private window, 1Password will prompt you to open the 1Password app on your computer: you must transfer an encryption key to complete sign-in.
- Open the vault you want to store the password in.
- Click + New Item in the upper right.
- Click Password.
- Fill out the form, and click Save. The username field can be left blank, but make sure you create a descriptive title for the password.
- The password is now saved to your 1Password account.
