Mnangagwa To Introduce Cyber Bill Which Will Punish Those Who Abuse Social Media In Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter
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August 30, 2020

AMID rising tensions in the country, authorities plan to fast-track the Cyber Bill which will punish those deemed to have abused social media or peddled falsehoods against the State and citizens once it becomes law.

In addition, the government will also soon introduce the Patriotic Act in Parliament – a law which it says seeks to promote patriotism among Zimbabweans.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily News yesterday, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the planned two pieces of legislation had become “priority bills” for authorities.

However, government critics fear that both laws will be used to clamp down on dissenting voices in the country – particularly in light of recent accusations that authorities have been guilty of gross human rights violations.

This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Thursday that Zimbabwe had come under sustained and unjustified online attacks – in an alleged bid by the State, s enemies to cause regime change in the country.

Speaking in the exclusive interview with the Daily News yesterday, Ziyambi, pictured, confirmed that the government would fast-track the passage in Parliament of the Cyber and Patriotic bills, to deal with those deemed to be delinquents.

“We have the Cyber Bill, but we have been affected by Covid-19 (in passing it). There is a need to speed up the passing of this bill which is one of our priority bills.

“What we are going to do is that when we resume sitting next week, we will see if we can cover a lot of ground on it.

We are hopeful that we can complete it before the end of October.

“People are now using foreign (cellphone) numbers to attack the government. The majority of those attacking the government use foreign numbers,” Ziyambi said.

“They know … that they are perpetuating falsehoods and we are going to deal with this soon. We just need to speed up our Cyber laws and we will be able to deal with them after passing the bills,” he said further.

According to Clause 164 of the proposed Cyber Bill, anyone found guilty of communicating false information on the country or citizens can be jailed for five years.

“Any person who unlawfully and intentionally by means of a computer or information system makes available, broadcasts or distributes data to any other person concerning an identified or identifiable person knowing it to be false with intent to cause psychological or economic harm shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” it reads in part.

This comes as the government recently received withering criticism from rights groups over allegations of having clamped down on critics ahead of the foiled July 31 mass protests.

However, authorities disputed the allegations saying some of the gory images that had been circulated in this regard were old pictures from the era of the late former president Robert Mugabe.

Ziyambi told the Daily News further yesterday that the circulation of such images and the peddling of falsehoods justified why the enactment of the mooted two laws was necessary.

“On the Patriotic Bill, our policy department is preparing principles of the bill and very soon we will table it in Parliament. There is also a need to speed up this bill.

In the next legislative session, that bill will be one of the agenda. It is one of our priority bills. We embraced too much the so-called freedom of expression that is nowhere in the world.

“Here, there is too much freedom. In America they have that Patriotic Act and all those laws,” Ziyambi said.

“We are now looking at our legislation to see how we can strengthen it, so that we protect innocent citizens from undue attack from those who are unpatriotic.

“We are looking at how we can deal with this,” Ziyambi further told the Daily News.

In the United States of America, the Patriot Act – which is officially known as the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act – was developed largely as an anti-terrorism piece of legislation in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Section 314 of the Act helps law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt and prevent terrorist acts and money laundering activities – by encouraging co-operation among law enforcement agents, regulators and financial institutions.

Ziyambi said the foiled July 31 mass demonstrations and the ZimbabweLivesMatter hashtag were all allegedly part of plans to destabilise the country.

“I think that the #ZimbabweLivesMatter campaign on social media is now losing steam. What they thought could happen, did not. They were trying to destabilise the country.

“However, our currency has stabilised, the auction system is performing well and there are no human rights abuses. There is no crisis really to talk about.

“They (demonstrators) wanted to cause anarchy, but we are a very peaceful country. Sooner, their lies will be exposed,” Ziyambi further told the Daily News.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa said on Thursday that his administration and the country were under siege from cyber dissidents and bullies.

“The social media attack is most unjustifiable, based upon fiction, non-facts, non-truth allegations that there are gross human rights violations in the country.

“There is no evidence of such things happening. The arbitrary arrests, death, torture in the country, all that is being stated without evidence.

“We are enjoying peace and stability in the country, but our detractors have decided to impose a cyber-war on our country in pursuit of a regime change agenda,” Mnangagwa said.

This comes after the government deployed security forces around the country and thwarted the planned July 31 protests which opposition and rights groups said were meant to voice dissatisfaction with rampant public sector corruption.

Rights groups have also since claimed that dozens of opposition figures and activists were tortured and assaulted in a retributive exercise by suspected security agents after authorities foiled the demonstrations.

On its part, the government has refuted the allegations – claiming instead that the opposition is allegedly working with foreigners to destabilise the country.

Category:
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Info News

GLP-1 Diet Plan: What to Eat While Taking Weight Loss Medication

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GLP-1 weight loss medication can reduce appetite, but that does not mean food no longer matters.

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In fact, food may matter even more.

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When your appetite is lower, every meal needs to count. You need enough protein, fiber, fluids, vitamins, and minerals to support your body while losing weight.

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A GLP-1 diet plan should not be extreme. It should be simple, balanced, and easy to follow.

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Why Nutrition Matters on GLP-1 Medication

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Some people make the mistake of eating too little while taking GLP-1 medication. They feel full quickly, skip meals, and assume that less food automatically means better results.

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But undereating can create problems.

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You may feel weak, tired, nauseated, or constipated. You may also lose muscle along with fat.

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A JAMA Internal Medicine guide notes that GLP-1 medications can cause loss of muscle and fat, and it recommends protein and muscle maintenance strategies.

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The goal is not just weight loss. The goal is healthier weight loss.

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The Best Foods to Eat on a GLP-1 Diet Plan

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1. Lean Protein

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Protein should be the foundation of your meals.

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Good options include:

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Chicken
rnTurkey
rnFish
rnEggs
rnGreek yogurt
rnCottage cheese
rnLean beef
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnTofu
rnTempeh
rnProtein shakes when needed

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If your appetite is very low, protein shakes may help you meet your needs.

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2. Vegetables

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Vegetables provide fiber, water, and nutrients.

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Good choices include:

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Spinach
rnBroccoli
rnCauliflower
rnGreen beans
rnPeppers
rnCucumber
rnZucchini
rnCarrots
rnCabbage
rnLettuce
rnTomatoes

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Cooked vegetables may be easier to tolerate than raw vegetables for some people.

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3. Fiber-Rich Carbohydrates

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You do not need to fear carbs. Choose better carbs.

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Good options include:

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Oats
rnSweet potatoes
rnBrown rice
rnQuinoa
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnWhole-grain bread
rnFruit

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These foods can support energy and digestion.

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4. Healthy Fats

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Healthy fats help with satisfaction, but portions matter because fats are calorie-dense.

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Good options include:

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Avocado
rnOlive oil
rnNuts
rnSeeds
rnNatural peanut butter
rnSalmon

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5. Hydrating Foods and Drinks

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Hydration matters because appetite changes, nausea, and constipation can be affected by fluid intake.

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Choose:

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Water
rnHerbal tea
rnSparkling water
rnBroth
rnWater-rich fruit
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks when appropriate

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Foods That May Worsen Side Effects

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Some people experience nausea or digestive discomfort on GLP-1 medication.

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Foods that may worsen symptoms include:

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Greasy foods
rnLarge heavy meals
rnFried foods
rnHigh-sugar desserts
rnAlcohol
rnVery spicy foods
rnLarge portions of red meat
rnCarbonated drinks for some people

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Not everyone reacts the same way. Track your own tolerance.

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How to Build a GLP-1-Friendly Meal

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Use this simple formula:

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Protein first
rnVegetable second
rnFiber-rich carb third
rnSmall healthy fat
rnWater or low-calorie drink

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Example:

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Grilled chicken
rnSteamed broccoli
rnSmall sweet potato
rnOlive oil drizzle
rnWater

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Another example:

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Greek yogurt
rnBerries
rnChia seeds
rnSmall handful of nuts

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Sample GLP-1 Meal Plan

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Breakfast

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Option 1: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds
rnOption 2: Scrambled eggs with spinach
rnOption 3: Protein smoothie with unsweetened yogurt and fruit

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Lunch

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Option 1: Chicken salad with vegetables and avocado
rnOption 2: Turkey lettuce wrap with fruit
rnOption 3: Lentil soup with side salad

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Snack

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Option 1: Cottage cheese
rnOption 2: Boiled egg
rnOption 3: Protein shake
rnOption 4: Apple with peanut butter

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Dinner

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Option 1: Salmon with green beans and quinoa
rnOption 2: Turkey meatballs with roasted vegetables
rnOption 3: Tofu stir-fry with brown rice
rnOption 4: Chicken soup with vegetables

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What to Eat When You Feel Nauseated

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If you feel nauseated, try smaller meals.

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Helpful options may include:

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Plain crackers
rnToast
rnBanana
rnRice
rnApplesauce
rnBroth
rnSmall protein smoothie
rnGinger tea
rnPlain yogurt

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Avoid large, greasy meals when nausea is worse.

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Contact your health care provider if nausea is severe, persistent, or you cannot keep fluids down.

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How to Avoid Constipation

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Constipation can happen when you eat less, drink less, or reduce fiber.

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Try:

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Drinking more water
rnEating vegetables daily
rnAdding fiber slowly
rnWalking after meals
rnEating beans or oats
rnUsing prunes if tolerated
rnDiscussing options with your provider if needed

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Do not suddenly overload fiber if your stomach is sensitive. Increase gradually.

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Protein and Muscle Maintenance

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Protecting muscle should be a priority.

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Ways to support muscle:

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Eat protein at every meal
rnStrength train at least 2 days per week
rnWalk regularly
rnAvoid crash dieting
rnDo not skip meals daily
rnUse protein shakes if needed

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The CDC recommends adults include muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week.

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What Drinks Are Best?

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Best choices:

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Water
rnUnsweetened tea
rnBlack coffee
rnSparkling water
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks
rnBroth

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Limit:

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Soda
rnSweet tea
rnJuice
rnAlcohol
rnHigh-calorie coffee drinks

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Liquid calories can slow progress and may worsen stomach discomfort for some people.

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Common GLP-1 Diet Mistakes

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Eating Too Little Protein

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Low appetite makes it easier to miss protein. Make protein your first priority.

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Skipping Meals Too Often

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Skipping meals may lead to low energy or poor nutrient intake.

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Eating Greasy Foods

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Greasy meals may worsen nausea or digestive discomfort.

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Not Drinking Enough Water

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Lower appetite can reduce thirst cues too. Keep water nearby.

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Ignoring Strength Training

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Weight loss without resistance training may increase muscle loss risk.

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Grocery List for a GLP-1 Diet Plan

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Protein

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Eggs
rnChicken
rnTurkey
rnFish
rnGreek yogurt
rnCottage cheese
rnTofu
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnProtein powder

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Vegetables

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Spinach
rnBroccoli
rnCauliflower
rnGreen beans
rnCarrots
rnCucumber
rnPeppers
rnLettuce
rnZucchini

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Carbohydrates

rnrn

Oats
rnSweet potatoes
rnBrown rice
rnQuinoa
rnFruit
rnWhole-grain bread
rnBeans

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Healthy Fats

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Avocado
rnOlive oil
rnNuts
rnSeeds
rnNatural peanut butter

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Drinks

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Water
rnHerbal tea
rnSparkling water
rnBroth
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks

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Final Thoughts

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A GLP-1 diet plan should help you lose weight while protecting your energy, digestion, and muscle.

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Eat protein first. Add vegetables. Choose fiber-rich carbs. Drink water. Strength train. Keep meals smaller if your stomach feels sensitive.

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Medication may reduce appetite, but your habits still build the result.

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GLP-1 weight loss works best when food, movement, medical care, and consistency all work together.

Cloud Backup Solutions for Small Business: Protect Your Data Before Disaster Strikes

Every small business depends on data. Customer records, invoices, payroll files, email, contracts, website files, and accounting records are all critical. If that data is lost because of ransomware, hardware failure, accidental deletion, fire, theft, or natural disaster, the business may face serious downtime.

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Cloud backup solutions help protect important files by copying data to secure off-site storage. Unlike a simple external hard drive, cloud backup can provide automated protection and recovery options from almost anywhere.

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A good backup strategy should include more than one copy of important data. Many businesses follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep three copies of data, use two different storage types, and store one copy off-site. Cloud backup helps with the off-site part of this strategy.

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Automation is one of the biggest benefits. Employees may forget to manually copy files, but automated backup software can run on a schedule. This reduces the risk of missing important data.

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Ransomware protection is another key feature. Some backup services offer version history, which allows a business to restore files from a point before the attack. This can be extremely important if files are encrypted or corrupted.

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When comparing cloud backup providers, look at storage limits, backup frequency, recovery speed, encryption, compliance features, customer support, and pricing. Some providers charge by storage amount, while others charge per device or user.

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Recovery testing is just as important as backup. A backup is only useful if you can restore it when needed. Small businesses should periodically test file recovery and document the process.

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Business continuity should also be considered. If a server fails, how quickly can operations continue? Some advanced backup solutions offer disaster recovery features that allow systems to be restored to virtual environments.

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Security matters because backup data may include sensitive customer and financial information. Look for services that offer encryption during transfer and storage, multi-factor authentication, access controls, and activity logs.

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Cloud backup is not only for large companies. Small businesses are often more vulnerable because they may not have dedicated IT staff. A reliable backup solution can reduce risk, protect customer trust, and help the business recover faster after a problem.

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The best time to create a backup plan is before something goes wrong.