Backup files are essential for protecting your data against loss from hardware failure, accidental deletion, malware, and other threats. But where you choose to store your backups can have a big impact on their accessibility, security, and integrity. There are several common options for backup storage locations, each with their own pros and cons. Quick answers to key questions about backup storage options can help guide you to the best solution for your needs.
Should you use local external drives for backup storage?
Local external hard drives and SSDs can provide a simple and inexpensive option for backup storage. They connect directly to your computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces.
Pros:
– Fast transfer speeds for saving and retrieving backup files
– You retain physical control over the backup device
– Low upfront cost compared to other backup solutions
Cons:
– Risk of theft, damage, or failure of the external drive
– Limited capacity compared to cloud storage options
– Backups are tied to one computer and don’t protect other devices
Verdict: External drives work well for quick on-site backups but lack protection if disaster strikes your location.
Is cloud backup storage secure and reliable?
Online cloud backup services provide offsite storage accessible from anywhere over the internet. They also handle redundancy across servers or regions.
Pros:
– Data protected against local disasters like fires or theft
– Access your backups from any internet-connected device
– Potentially unlimited capacity with cloud storage tiers
– Data encryption and strict access controls provide security
Cons:
– Monthly or annual subscription fees can add up over time
– Large initial backup uploads can take days on slow internet
– Government demands or hacks could compromise privacy
Verdict: Cloud backup services provide excellent offsite protection and accessibility if you select a reputable provider.
What are the advantages of a local network attached storage (NAS) device?
Network attached storage (NAS) devices are dedicated backup appliances connected to your local network. They contain multiple hard drives and an operating system optimized for storage tasks.
Pros:
– Convenient on-site access at fast LAN speeds
– Tailor capacity to your needs by adding more drives
– Enable continuous backups for always-up-to-date recovery
– Many support redundancy features like RAID
Cons:
– Upfront cost higher than external drives
– Onsite location still risks data loss from local disaster
– Storage capacity limited to what you purchase
Verdict: NAS devices provide fast and ample on-site backup capacity but should be combined with an offsite cloud backup.
Choosing the right backup storage location for your needs
With a firm understanding of the pros and cons of different backup storage options, you can make an informed decision about the best locations to store your backups. Consider the following factors:
– Backup capacity needed – How much data do you need to back up? Cloud and NAS provide ample expandable capacity.
– Importance of offsite storage – Is protecting against a local disaster essential? Cloud storage stores data remotely.
– Budget – Inexpensive external drives offer an entry-level option. Cloud and NAS cost more but add features.
– Internet bandwidth – Large backups require a fast internet connection for the initial upload to the cloud.
– Accessibility – External drives attach to one computer. Cloud storage and NAS can be accessed from multiple devices.
– Security – Cloud services offer strong encryption and access controls. Physical drives in your possession are immune to remote hacking.
– Ease of use – Cloud backups run automatically after initial setup. Local options require more manual intervention.
External drive backups
An external USB hard drive provides a quick and inexpensive local backup option. Just plug the drive into your computer and run backup software to duplicate important files for recovery later. Store the drive somewhere safe like a fireproof safe when not in use. Rotate drives to provide redundancy.
This is an easy Do-It-Yourself approach, but limits you to the capacity of the physical drive. It is also tied to a single computer. Copying backups to take offsite is recommended for protection against local disasters.
Cloud backup storage
Cloud backup services like Backblaze and Carbonite provide fully automated offsite backup. After installing their app, all your data continuously and incrementally backs up over an encrypted internet connection. Unlimited capacity plans are available.
With rock-solid encryption and security controls, cloud services create air-gapped online storage vaults for your data that are accessible from anywhere. Subscription fees based on your usage are the tradeoff.
Network attached storage (NAS) devices
For ample onsite backup capacity, network attached storage (NAS) devices are an excellent choice. These dedicated hard drive arrays connect to your Wi-Fi router via an Ethernet cable. Backup software sends copies of your important files to the NAS through the local network.
RAID mirroring features provide internal redundancy against drive failures within the NAS enclosure. For offsite protection, you can replicate backups from the NAS to a cloud storage bucket.
Hybrid backup strategy
A hybrid approach combines the strengths of local and cloud backup. Use a NAS device for fast daily continuous backups. Then have it replicate backups weekly to an encrypted cloud storage bucket for offsite redundancy.
Critical files can also be backed up manually on a rotating series of external drives stored offsite. This defense-in-depth strategy provides both onsite and offsite backup copies with multiple layers of protection.
Choosing backup software
The backup strategy also requires software capable of efficiently managing the protected copies of your files. Several types of backup software are available:
File copy/sync software: Simple programs that copy designated files and folders from one location to another. Easy to setup for manual backups to external drives.
Backup suites: Full-featured software like Acronis True Image with tools to automate complex backup tasks, encryption, scheduling, recovery, and system imaging.
Cloud backup clients: Apps like Backblaze Backup that automatically copy files over the internet to encrypted cloud storage buckets.
NAS OS apps: Specialized utilities within network attached storage operating systems that allow backing up clients to the NAS over the local network. May also handle cloud replication.
Look for backup software that offers:
– Intuitive interface and ease of use
– File/folder selection and flexible scheduling
– Incremental backups to avoid duplicated data
– Strong encryption for security
– Compression to reduce storage space
– Deletion rules to manage backup history
– Backup integrity verification
– Restoration testing capability
– Disaster recovery tools
Using best practices for backup storage
In addition to using the right software and storage locations, following best practices ensures your backups are there when you need them.
Some top backup storage tips:
– Use the 3-2-1 rule – Have at least three total copies of your data, on two different media, and one copy offsite. This protects against media failure, device failure, and site disaster.
– Automate backups to happen continuously or on a schedule rather than sporadically.
– Always eject and disconnect external drives safely to avoid corruption. Store them securely offsite when not in use.
– Validate backups periodically by performing test restores of files.
– Encrypt backup data in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
– Consider retention policies to prune older backups while maintaining adequate history.
– Store at least one backup copy offsite to enable recovery from a local disaster.
– Back up entire system images, not just files and folders, to enable bare metal restores.
– Monitor backup software logs for any errors or failures.
– Verify backups before upgrading operating systems or other major system changes.
Conclusion
Where you choose to keep your backups impacts their convenience, security, capacity, and overall effectiveness as a recovery safety net when disaster strikes. Using redundant local and cloud storage combines the strengths of each. Automated software, ample capacity, strong encryption, and manual offsite rotation implement a robust defense-in-depth strategy. Following best practices for backup creation, testing, and maintenance ensures your data remains protected.
| Storage Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| External drives | Inexpensive, fast transfers, physically controlled | Limited capacity, single computer, not offsite |
| Cloud backup | Offsite protection, accessible from anywhere, unlimited capacity | Subscription fees, slower transfers, privacy risks |
| Network attached storage (NAS) | On-premises, ample capacity, fast over LAN, redundancy features | Upfront cost, lacks offsite protection |