Abstract: A backup device comprising a secondary user-carried device for backing up data from a primary portable data storage device is described. The backup device includes a short-range wireless communication link, a communication interface for communicating with the primary portable data storage device over the communication link to receive data to back up and to check for removal of the primary portable data storage device and storage for storing data received over the communication link from the primary portable data storage device. A triggering device is also provided for triggering an alert procedure when the primary portable data storage device is out of range for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A portable data storage device is described, which includes a short range wireless communication interface. The device is configured to communicate with a backup device over a wireless communication link and further comprises an alerting device for initiating an alert procedure on separation of the backup device from the portable data storage device. The alert procedure may include one or more of: disabling at least one function of the portable data storage device, for rendering the portable data storage device at least partially inoperable in the absence of communication from the backup device, locking the portable data storage device, generating an audible, visible or vibrational signal, restricting access to certain functions of the portable data storage device, preventing use of the portable data storage device except to telephone a specified number to report the device as lost or to re-enable the device and/or communicating a unique identifier of the portable data storage device to a network.

Abstract: A method of safeguarding against loss of data stored in a portable data storage device or loss of the data storage device itself is described. A user-carried backup device having memory and a wireless communication link for communicating with the portable data storage device is provided. The backup device and the portable data storage device communicate periodically or quasi-continuously over the wireless communication link and may backup data entered into the portable data storage device and check for removal of the portable data storage device. An alarm is activated to alert a user to loss of the portable data storage device if the portable data storage device is out of range of communication for a predetermined period.