Data theft is a separate issue. Whether your using gmail, your own mail server or an account with your ISP; if you're machine is compromised all bets are off (i

Data theft is a separate issue. Whether your using gmail, your own mail server or an account with your ISP; if you're machine is compromised all bets are off (including all your other files, not just email). At least with a backup you wont lose your data as a result of the theft.