Cloud backup is a method of backing up your data to external servers rather than just locally on your PC. This provides you with additional security.
Cloud Backup: What’s behind it
With a cloud backup, you regularly save a copy of your data from your computer or smartphone to external servers. It is a method of continuous data backup in which your data is stored in a cloud environment rather than on physical media such as external hard drives.
- Externe Server: Once you have set up a cloud backup for your data, a copy of your files is continuously stored via the Internet on one or more remote servers in external data centers. These are operated and managed by a cloud service provider.
- Automatic saving: With a cloud backup, your data is continuously and automatically saved in the cloud. You can choose exactly which folders or hard drives you want to create a backup of.
- Encryption and reliability: Before data leaves your local system, it is generally encrypted. This ensures that your data is protected from unauthorized access during transmission and in cloud storage. Often, the data is stored externally in multiple locations to ensure resilience.
- Recovery possible: With a cloud backup, you can access your files at any time, even from other devices. All you have to do is log in with your login details. If there is a virus attack or your PC or smartphone is damaged, you can restore the data at any time.
Backup in the cloud: possible disadvantages
Thanks to cloud backup, you no longer have to worry about backing up your data. Once set up, saving is automatic and no longer has to be done manually. Cloud backup has many advantages, but also comes with some disadvantages.
- Depending on internet connection: The speed of data backup and recovery depends on the available Internet connection.
- Running costs: With an external hard drive, you only have to pay a one-time purchase price. However, providers of cloud backup services charge ongoing costs for the storage space used. These can vary depending on the amount of data.
- Residual risk of data security: Although the providers of backup services take precautions to ensure data security, there is always a certain residual risk that data could be compromised, for example. This makes it all the more important for you to choose a trustworthy service provider.