A quick check of the major cloud storage providers’ terms and conditions will likely confirm they don’t backup data they store – in which case you need to or you’re at risk if your backup fails.
Related: A guide to internet security for small businesses
Ultimately, cloud storage and cloud backup are very different things, as anyone who’s lost months or years of work through their own accidental deletion (or through a provider’s deletion) will tell you through gritted teeth.
With that in mind, here’s a simple clarification of that difference, and ways you can secure the backup option that best suits your business or personal needs.
What is a cloud storage service?
In short, cloud storage is a remote cloud-based storage for all kinds of files and information you create, as an individual or as a business. It’s a handy alternative or addition to storing data on your computer’s hard drive or an external drive. With cloud storage, you store and access files online, such as with Dropbox or Google Drive. Many such services are free up to a specified volume, with nominal fees for larger storage. This also means you can log in and access your files from anywhere with an internet connection.
Don’t let this lull you into a false sense of cybersecurity, however… what happens if there’s a data breach, a hack, or a malware threat? Where does that leave your precious files and data?
What is a cloud backup service?
In basic terms, cloud backup involves sending your data to an off-site server, in much the same way as you use cloud storage. However, while it’s still an online service, cloud backup is designed and provided as a specific service that backs up and protects data at a particular point in time from the threats cloud storage can suffer.
Cloud backup services should include highly effective encryption options that make hacking reasonably pointless, and protect your data in ways that common cloud storage options can’t… or choose not to.
Avoid being at risk of data loss
Understanding the fundamental differences between cloud storage and cloud backup can help you sidestep potential data loss and the headaches that come with it. Add cloud backup to your online storage and management of data and files, and you’re increasing security in crucial ways. Add encryption to the mix, and enjoy the reassurance it’s not only safe but also useless to anyone but you!
Related: 5 signs that your cybersecurity needs upgrading
