Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBefore you open or run a file you suspect may be malicious, copy your irreplaceable files to a separate backup, check that you can restore them, and disconnect or isolate that backup. A backup reduces the risk of losing data; it does not make running suspicious software safe or contain the software’s other risks.
Choose the files you cannot easily replace
Start with personal data you would struggle to recreate: documents, photos, project files, and other important work. The right selection varies by person and device, so review the places where you actually keep your files rather than relying on a single universal folder list.
NIST’s April 2020 guide for managed service providers defines a backup file as “a copy of files and programs made to facilitate recovery.” The useful question is not simply whether a copy exists, but whether it is separate from the data at risk and can be recovered.
Make a separate copy and keep it out of reach
Copy the selected files to a backup destination that is not the computer’s ordinary working storage. A portable external hard drive is one physical option: after the copy finishes, disconnect the drive before you test the suspect program. That disconnection helps prevent software running on the computer from reaching the backup.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
CISA and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) advise maintaining offline, encrypted backups and testing them regularly. They warn that ransomware may find and delete or encrypt backups that remain accessible. Microsoft likewise describes keeping multiple copies in isolated or offline locations. If you use an online backup service, do not assume it is isolated simply because it is a different service; protections such as separate access controls, multifactor authentication, or immutable storage depend on the provider and plan.
Where practical, keep another copy in a separate location or isolated backup service. Choose encryption and access controls appropriate to your circumstances, and make sure you can still access the backup for recovery. Microsoft’s organizational guidance discusses controls such as MFA or PIN requirements and immutable storage, but not every consumer service offers the same features.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Verify that the backup can actually be restored
A finished copy operation does not prove that the files are readable or recoverable. Open a few files from the backup, then restore a small sample to a different location and check that the restored files work. Microsoft and NIST recommend testing recovery; Microsoft also advises defining the scope and frequency of restore tests.
Keep the backup disconnected or otherwise inaccessible while testing potentially malicious software. Do not reconnect it just to make the test more convenient: the point of an isolated copy is to keep it beyond the suspect program’s reach.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Do not confuse a backup check with a malware check
Reading a file or successfully restoring it confirms that the copy can be accessed; it does not establish that the file is clean. NIST’s data-integrity project explains that backup systems generally focus on restoring data as stored and may not perform retroactive checks for malware or corruption. Dormant or time-delayed malware may not be detectable until it becomes active. That does not mean every backup contains malware; it means recoverability and cleanliness are different questions.
If you need to restore after suspected infection
Do not return restored files straight to ordinary use if the source device may have been infected. Microsoft’s recovery guidance recommends choosing a clean recovery point, restoring in an isolated, secure network, scanning restored data, and using it in production only after it has been established as clean. If you cannot establish that, seek qualified help rather than treating a successful restore as proof of safety.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What this preparation does—and does not—protect
Offline copies, restore checks, and cautious recovery are established backup practices. CISA’s ransomware guidance, NIST NCCoE’s April 2020 guide for managed service providers, and Microsoft’s Azure and organizational guidance support those principles, but they do not define a universal home-user procedure for analyzing malicious files or certify a particular external drive. A backup can help you recover important files; it is not a malware scanner, nor does it contain the other risks of running suspicious software.
Sources: CISA and MS-ISAC, #StopRansomware Guide; NIST NCCoE, Protecting Data from Ransomware and Other Data Loss Events (April 24, 2020); NIST NCCoE, Data Integrity: Recovering from a destructive malware attack; Microsoft Learn, Azure backup and restore plan to protect against ransomware; Microsoft Learn, FAQ – Protect backups from Ransomware with Azure Backup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
