Data loss can happen at virtually any time for almost any reason. You may not have control over the circumstances that cause data loss, and you’re unlikely to see it coming. Therefore, it’s extremely important to have your data sufficiently backed up.
Having your networking systems protected isn’t enough—you’ll need to have your data backed up either externally or through a cloud storage service. While both backup methods are viable, they both have their upsides and drawbacks.
This article will cover the pros and cons of cloud storage and external hard drive backups, should your networking systems ever be taken down or knocked offline.
Accessibility
The easier a backup procedure is, the more likely you are to do it. Backing up your files with a cloud storage service is exceptionally simple. All you need is an internet connection, and, with a few clicks, your files are backed up. You can also perform backups from mobile devices and different computers that aren’t necessarily a part of your networking systems.
With an external hard drive, you have to manually hook the hard drive to the device you want to back up—only then can you begin the process. You typically can’t do it directly from a mobile device either; you have to transfer the files from your device to a computer, then to the external hard drive.
Cost
The upfront costs could be lower for external hard drive backup storage. This is because you typically only have to pay once for the amount of storage that you want. You could purchase a warranty, but that likely won’t cover file retrieval should anything unfortunate happen to your external hard disk drive.
Cloud storage, on the other hand, is typically offered as a subscription service. You usually have to pay a set amount every month. The upside is that your payment will cover any file recovery services you may need, in addition to offering unique accessibility options that aren’t available with external hard drive backup storage.
Security
If you use an external hard disk drive to back up your files, security will largely be up to you. Most external hard drives don’t come with encryption and may only be protected by a single password. You’ll also have to worry about the physical security of the hard drive. If it’s stolen or damaged, you can usually only get the lost files back by purchasing a pricy file recovery software service.
Cloud storage technology has come a long way in the past decade. It’s more secure now than it’s ever been. Most cloud storage services offer security features like multilayer encryption, two-factor authentication, a personal encryption key, zero-knowledge encryption and/or end-to-end encryption. Having your files encrypted means only those who need to access them can read them. With a cloud storage backup service, your files won’t be stored on-site, so if there’s a break-in at your company’s offices, the files won’t be at risk.
Call to discuss your backup file storage options today
Whichever solution you decide is best for your company and its networking systems—whether it’s cloud storage or an external hard disk drive—we can help, so give us a call at GeekForce.biz. We’ve been a leading IT services company for over 20 years, and we would be happy to help you back up your company’s sensitive data today.