Cloud based backup or external drive backup?

There is many storage solutions available

The same problem always arises when you decide to think about the security of your data and storage: What are the available online backup solutions you can use to store your data? Should you choose physical storage, or on the contrary, would it be better and more secure to choose cloud based storage services?

The truth is that there is not a single way to make data storage, nor does one necessarily exclude the other; moreover, we insist that their is many ways to back up your data in case you lost them. That is to say, not to limit the backups to be stored in a single place, but in several places at the same time.

In this article we are going to show you that both cloud backups and hard drives have pros and cons. There is no such thing as infallibility in cloud computing. So it will be necessary to focus on data recovery and security.

Cloud storage

• With cloud storage backup storage is made automatically from the computer to a remote online backup service.
• Using cloud based storage you don’t need to do manual data backup so often. storage is made every day of everything you have made new.
• Excellent disaster recovery
• Sudden problems can be prevented.
• You can access in a matter of minutes and recover data from another computer.
• Your files are stored securely, with data encryption, as it is done through a service that complies with the GDPR and specially designed for companies.

Does online backup have some disadvantages?

• The cloud involves putting your files in the hands of an external server.
• If security breaches happen or they use your data, it is their responsibility.
• Not all online backup services make it easy for you to comply with the GDPR to host third-party files securely.

That is why it is important to choose well the storage service you are going to use and make sure that it meets your expectations and specific needs. An alternative, or rather, complement, is the external hard drive.

Advantages of using an external hard disk storage

• It is simple to use and they allow us to store a large amount of files and data. There are many for 1 Terabyte that can be useful.
• You have the files in a physical and transportable device.
• You don’t need to rely on an remote cloud server.
• With a software like Time Machine (for Mac), you back up every day.

Disadvantages of using an external hard drive.

• If the hard disk drive crashes, it is difficult to recover. Subjection to high temperatures, cyber attack, disaster, etc.
• For it to make sense to use it, it must be connected to your PC permanently. This implies a higher security risk if it is not accompanied by other online storage alternatives.
• In a network you can use 1 or more hard drives, but it is always convenient to buy several.

As you can see, both storage services have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the smartest thing to do will always be to prevent failures of one by using the other for data redundancy, using various data storage solutions system image, hard disks, cloud backup, etc.

That is to say, something that is not always done: to have a good IT system backup strategy within the company that allows a safe, fast and secure data recovery with guarantees.

What storage solution do you use in your business? Have you enabled a data recovery strategy in case something goes wrong? you can recover your files by other means?