Currently, having a reliable backup system is crucial to protect the information of companies, businesses, and independent professionals. Cyber attacks, such as ransomware, can hijack data and demand payments for their release. Additionally, viruses, hardware failures, and data corruption are constant threats. Therefore, having reliable backups is essential, whether through local systems or cloud services.
What is a local backup?
A local backup involves storing backup copies on physical devices within the user or company’s same location. This method has evolved since the 1960s, using advanced technologies like Solid-State Drives (SSD), Hybrid Hard Drives (SSHD), USB drives, and high-capacity tapes.
How to do a local backup:
1. File and Folder Selection: Choose which data to backup.
2. Storage Device Selection: Preferably modern and reliable devices like SSDs, SSHDs, or tapes.
3. Complex Implementations: Use RAIDs and SANs for high speed and redundancy.
4. Specialized Software: Tools like EaseUS Todo Backup (Windows), Fbackup (Windows), Paragon Backup & Recovery (Windows), and Deja Dup (Linux).
Advantages of Local Backups:
1. Quick Recovery: Not dependent on the Internet, allowing for fast data restoration.
2. Total Control: The user knows exactly where their data is located.
Disadvantages of Local Backups:
1. Disaster Risk: Data can be lost in fires, earthquakes, etc.
2. Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks: Including ransomware and viruses.
3. Limited Scalability: Requires constant hardware investments.
What is a cloud backup?
Cloud backup involves storing data on remote servers managed by specialized providers. This allows access to backups via the Internet, offering flexibility and scalability.
How to do a cloud backup:
1. File Selection and Strategy: Similar to local backup, but the data is uploaded to the cloud.
2. Cloud Backup Services: Providers like Stackscale, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, IDrive, Backblaze, NordLocker, Pcloud, Dropbox, CrashPlan, and Microsoft OneDrive.
Advantages of Cloud Backups:
1. Cost Savings and Resource Efficiency: No physical infrastructure required.
2. Protection in Natural Disasters: Data is secure in remote locations.
3. Global Access: Ability to access and manage data from anywhere.
4. High Security: Providers invest in high-level cybersecurity.
5. Scalability: Easy to increase as needed without major investments.
Disadvantages of Cloud Backups:
1. Bandwidth Dependency: Restoring large amounts of data can be slow.
2. Contractual Risks: Possible loss of data access if the contract with the provider ends.
3. Complex Migration: Transferring large data volumes between providers can be complicated.
Conclusion: Cloud Backup or Local Backup?
The choice between a local backup and a cloud backup depends on the specific needs and policies of each organization.
1. Strict Compliance Policies: If the company requires data to be stored locally, local backup is the only option.
2. Budget and Flexibility: For companies with limited budgets and flexible policies, cloud backup services are an excellent choice.
3. Hybrid Model: A combination of both can offer the best of both worlds, using local backups for quick restorations and the cloud for additional protection and sensitive data.
For individuals and freelancers, a hybrid model provides redundancy and additional options to protect and recover data in case of failures.