Security is a big concern for most users who are searching for a long-term data storage solution.
What Are the Alternatives?
When comparing online storage to the alternatives the first step is identifying what the popular alternatives are. Most people compare online storage to external hard drives, USB sticks, or discs. Similar to storing data online, all of these alternatives provided external solution which can be used as a backup for the primary device.Online Storage Utilizes Multiple Layers of Security
One aspect of online storage which makes it significantly safer than the alternatives is the ability to utilize multiple layers of security. Traditional alternatives can be easily lost, damaged, or stolen. They must be closely monitored to ensure they are kept safe. Plus, there is no telling when an external hard drive will crash or data will be compromised on a USB stick.On the other hand, if a hacker was to attempt to break into online storage account they must traverse firewalls, bypass intrusion prevention systems, and circumvent additional security practices followed by online storage providers. Plus, all of the data in a single user's account is stored in multiple locations across the country and secure data centers.
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Data Centers are built with Physical Security in Mind
Along with the primary security mechanisms built into the online storage infrastructure, there are also security measures built into data centers to provide additional physical security. Data centers are vast buildings filled with racks and servers.Their primary focus is to ensure servers remain online and safe from harm. Since a user's data is stored on multiple servers in multiple locations, many people wouldn't notice if a data center went off-line, because their data would be accessible from other data centers.
In terms of physical security, quality data centers utilize cutting-edge technology including retina scanners, biometric readers, backup power generators, and multiple network providers.
No System is 100% Reliable
When comparing the safety and security of online storage against the alternatives it is important to remember that no system is 100% reliable. Every data storage option has benefits and drawbacks which must be considered.This is why industry experts note the most important data a person needs to protect should be stored in multiple locations on multiple types of devices. There is little risk of multiple data backup solutions failing at the same time. The only way to achieve near 100% reliability is taking advantage of multiple solutions.
If someone is choosing a single option to back up or stored data, online storage is the most secure option. Not only does it shift the burden of responsibility to the service provider, but it also allows users to leverage advanced infrastructure to protect their data. Online storage provider’s primary focus is on keeping customers satisfied which makes data security one of their top priorities.
Jeremy ClayAbout the Guest Author:
Jeremy Clay informs his readers so that they can make well thought out decisions about their data security. In the article above he discusses the security of online storage and its alternatives.
