A combination of a portable data storage device and a wireless backup device having an out of range alert

摘要

A method of safeguarding against loss of data stored in a portable data storage device 10 or loss of the data storage device itself is described. A user-carried backup device 20 having memory 24 and a wireless communication link 22 for communicating with the portable data storage device 10 is provided. The backup device 20 and the portable data storage device 10 communicate periodically or quasi-continuously over the wireless communication link and may backup data entered into the portable data storage device 10 and check for removal of the portable data storage device 10. An alarm 30 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. The portable data storage device 10 may be a Bluetooth (RTM) enabled mobile phone whilst the backup device 20 may be a PDA (personal digital assistant) but preferably has limited functionality and can be worn by a user e.g. on a wrist strap or keyring or as an article of smart clothing.