Disclosed are systems and methods for preserving of data saved on a data storage device. An assessment is made as to the degradation of the data storage device, during which a determination is made of the rate of degradation and the probability of failure of the data storage device. When the probability is greater than a given threshold, the damaged sectors of the data storage device are identified by scanning of the surface of the data storage device. A worth grade (i.e., the value of the saved data to the user) is determined at least for data in sectors close to the damaged sectors on the basis of an analysis of at least the meta-data of the data. A decision is made as to the possible loss of data, and a backup copy is created based on the worth grade of the data and the rate of degradation of the data storage device.