Not all backup solutions are created equal.
OneDrive for example, may backup your documents and pictures to the cloud in case your PC stops working or gets stolen. What it will not do, is give you complete protection in case of a malware infection or a ransomware attack.
Read on to find out what kind of backup you need, and about the different options that may be suitable for your purpose.
For everyday home users
If your only concern is keeping your private documents and pictures safe in case your laptop dies, then a simple cloud sync backup (like OneDrive) combined with a Solid State Drive (SSD) with the most important files, may be enough.
Although great for storage, OneDrive is not enough keep your files safe in the case of a malware or ransomware attack. If the files on your PC are corrupted, or encrypted by an attacker, the cloud files will be as well since they are synced to the files on your computer.
Also bear in mind that attackers are opportunists. Even if you think you are ‘small fry’, the statistics show that regular home users are easy pickings for ransomware operators. If you are concerned about these types of attacks, choosing a cloud provider that also includes ransomware protection might be your best bet, such as the Swiss provider Acronis.
For digital nomads and solo-entrepreneurs
A single-person business needs a solution that can grow with them, and that doesn’t slow them down on the move. This could be a Solid State Drive (SSD), or a cloud backup.
To make sure you are able to continue running your business without interruptions, use both. SSD for when you are on the move in an area without Wi-fi, and cloud in case your SSD gets lost or stolen.
For small businesses
If you are running a business that handles large amounts of data, you need better storage and protection than the regular home user. A cloud-to-cloud (C2C) setup or Network Attached Storage (NAS) are two options you might want to take a look at.
A cloud-to-cloud (C2C) backup copies your data from one cloud service (for example, your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace files) to a separate, independent cloud storage. If your primary account is compromised, your backup copy remains safe.
A NAS is a small storage device that sits in your office and holds copies of your files. Because it’s physically on-site, restoring data from it is fast and often done within minutes. It’s a one-time purchase, so it works best if you have a fixed office space with five or more employees. If your team works from home or is spread across locations, a cloud solution is probably better.
The downside: because a NAS is connected to your office network, ransomware that reaches your network can reach it too. You may be able to restore from a snapshot, but it does not offer complete protection. For the most complete protection, pair a NAS with an off-site cloud backup so you have a clean copy in a separate location.
The difficult balance here is between finding something that you are comfortable using, suits your purpose, doesn’t break your budget, all while still protecting your business data.
Small businesses rarely have their own IT-department or the funds to keep hiring consultants whenever something happens. So, if these seem too complex or expensive, you could start with the cloud providers with ransomware protection that we looked at earlier, until such time as your team grows to include IT staff.
