The data backup device comprising a receiver unit receiving from an image forming apparatus via a network, backup data and sender information indicating the location of the image forming apparatus on the network; a memory unit storing the backup data and the sender information that are received; an operating state acquiring unit acquiring based on the sender information, the operating state of the image forming apparatus whether or not it is ready to receive the backup data; a judgment unit judging based on the acquired operating state, whether or not the image forming apparatus is ready to receive the backup data; and a transmitting unit sending back the backup data to the image forming apparatus based on the sender information when the judgment unit judges that the image forming apparatus is ready to receive the backup data.