Is It Enough To Just Backup Your Data To The Cloud?

When was the last time you had to explain what the cloud is to someone with no computer savvy? It’s not as easy as you’d think. The term ‘cloud’ does a great job of encapsulating how the system works, but only if you already have a basic understanding of how data is stored.

I was asked this question the other day, by someone who works in insurance. They process a lot of claims on homeowners and renters insurance policies that include laptop coverage. They tell their clients that by backing up to the cloud, they can get their replacement laptop set up with no problem at all. But when a client asks what the cloud is, they struggle to answer.

Inevitably, the answer leads to a follow-up question: is a cloud backup good enough? The insight from explaining the first question helped me answer the second question, and it’s worthwhile considering this in terms of data stored across all of your devices. I’ll explain why.

The Cloud Fallacy

Explaining what the cloud is to someone with no knowledge of data storage requires you to deconstruct the entire concept. We tend to refer to the cloud as if it is something that exists independently. But the truth is that the cloud is as material as local storage.

There is a reason we have so much confidence in the cloud. It works very much as if it is an independent entity that exists on an abstract plane. The servers storing your data are decentralized, making it far less likely that any single event could destroy your data.

However, this creates a number of potential issues when it comes to backups. And it is this aspect of the cloud that undermines its ability to serve as the perfect backup. Consider the following.

The Servers Aren’t Yours

The most potent reason you should create a physical backup in addition to your cloud backup is that the cloud servers on which your data is stored do not belong to you. You are essentially renting them from another company. While they are bound by laws not to steal your data or keep it from you with no just cause, it means your data is at risk if anything happens to them.

Because you are likely storing your data with a massive company, the chances that something might happen that compromises the very existence of your data are limited. However, there are always going to be those who target these companies. Your data is more likely to be destroyed by someone targeting Apple than by someone coming into your home and destroying your server.

Lack of Local Access

Another reason you should have a physical backup in addition to your cloud backup is that you have no local access to the cloud. If there is a major internet outage in your region, you lose access to your backup. This is unlikely but not unheard of, and you should always be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Furthermore, the company providing you with cloud access could go offline, whether because of a major hack, a disaster at the site of some of their servers, or even a simple bug. They are unlikely to be offline permanently, but you do not want to risk having to wait days, weeks, or months to regain access to your data.

Should You Get an External Hard Drive?

If you are to back up your data traditionally, do you need an external hard drive? There is no definite answer to this, but it is not entirely necessary. You’re unlikely to lose your laptop or phone on the same day the servers at Apple get hacked. The simplest route is to store your data on your devices despite having cloud backup.

This is one good reason to get devices with a significant amount of storage space. Yes, you could put everything in the cloud and access it only when necessary, but keeping your documents on your laptop itself serves as a backup in case the cloud fails you.

It is easy to start thinking of the cloud as an independent entity. However, the truth is that it will always be vulnerable in the same way than any other physical server is. Back up in a traditional way in addition to your cloud backup to ensure that your data is 100% safe and accessible.