A Quick Answer: Is Cloud Backup Safe

The issue of cloud backup has been a hot topic in recent years. Since the introduction of "the cloud," many people worldwide have shifted to keeping data backups on this amazing platform. It's a common belief that storing data in the cloud offers high-level safety and protection.

We've primarily crafted this article to help you understand whether cloud backup is safe. A few individuals still have second thoughts concerning the safety of their data in the cloud. Read on to get a quick answer to this disturbing question!

Is It Safe to Use Cloud Backup

Before we answer whether cloud backup is safe for you or not, it's vital to get a definitive meaning for the term "cloud backup." Cloud backup refers to having copies of data from your hard drive transferred and stored on secure off-site servers. It makes data recovery smooth due to damage to your hard drive or other physical storage. Also, cloud backup aims to free up space in your local storage. With this factor in mind, it has been widely used for business data backup.

It's pretty simple to understand how cloud backup works. A third-party provider maintains this service by hosting the storage system and charging customers based on:

• The storage capacity used
• The storage bandwidth, and
• Number of users accessing the storage system from a given organization

If you experience data loss or corruption in your local storage, the cloud backup service will allow you to restore data back. When seeking a cloud backup service, your organization can customize the service based on preference.

Concerning the issue of safety, cloud backup is considered more secure than your local storage. Unlike local storage that could be affected by viruses, ramsomware, and malware, the data maintained in a cloud backup is highly encrypted and difficult for someone else to access. Also, cloud service providers maintain data backups in different data centers worldwide. It is beneficial because it offers data security, scalability, reliability, and cost-saving.

Cloud Backup vs. Local Backup - Which One Is Better? Or Both?

Cloud backup vs. local backup is an everlasting debate. We all wonder which is more suitable for us. If you can not decide which backup option to choose, we are here to help.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Cloud Backup Service

A cloud backup service helps you conveniently store your files and information in the cloud. Cloud services vary based on the provider and what they offer. To determine the right cloud backup service, you’ll need to consider the following factors.

1. The data backup frequency

You can make schedule backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis with cloud services. When approaching a cloud service provider, ensure they match your desired backup frequency.

2. Storage space and service scalability

How many gigabytes (GBs) of storage space will the provider offer? Ensure that the storage space allocated comfortably accommodates the number of files you wish to store in the cloud. The service should also be scalable to allow you to add more users or computer systems.

3. Security of the off-site servers

The main thing when choosing a cloud backup service is the security of your data. With the increase in cyber criminals, the service provider must display capabilities to deal with cybercrimes. Will your data remain safe in the wake of any malicious attack? Ensure that the service provider commits to your data safety.  

4. The pricing strategy

A cloud backup service could be charged based on monthly subscriptions or annual plans. The pricing strategy could also vary based on the expected number of users. When seeking such services, ensure they meet your budget and that you’ll subscribe to what offers value for money.

5. The availability of after-sales support

A good cloud backup service should have adequate after-sales customer support. The provider should provide their email, telephone contacts, or social media handles in the wake of emergencies.

Make Cloud Backup with Easy-to-Use Software

Choosing an appropriate cloud data backup is never easy, especially if you wish to find a versatile one. But is there a tool that integrates cloud backup with other useful functions? The answer is YES. The efficient software, EaseUS Todo Backup, has the cloud backup feature and allows you to customize different kinds of backup settings.

It is more convenient and secure than other cloud backup services. This best backup software has powerful abilities to create backups of the disk, partition, OS, and files, allowing you to save backups to local drives, the cloud, NAS, and a specified network location.

You can follow the steps below to learn how to use EaseUS Todo Backup:

Step 1. For the first time you use EaseUS Todo Backup to back up files, click Create backup on the home screen and then mouse click the big question mark to select backup contents.

Step 2. Since you're going to back up files and folders on your computer, go on with the "File" backup mode, where you can select pictures, videos, documents and all other types of files to back up.

Step 3. Follow the paths to locate the files, folders or directories you want to back up, select them all and click "OK".

Step 4. Now you need to select a backup location to save and retain the backup.

Step 5. EaseUS Todo Backup allows users to save the backup files to every device that is handy for you, like a local hard drive, external USB drive, SD card, network drive, or a NAS drive, plus a cloud drive of the EaseUS brand. We personally recommend users to choose the cloud drive prior to a physical drive to save important backups due to the greater accessibility, flexibility and safety.

To be able to access to EaseUS cloud, all you need is an email registration and login. 

Step 6. If you're interested in an automatic and intelligent backup schedule for the next file backup task, go on with the "Options" setting. There you can encrypt a confidential file backup, compress the backup image size, or customize a backup scheme to tell the software in what time to start the next backup. 

Customize an advanced and automatic backup task here:

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to start the file backup process. Your completed backup files are visible on the left area in a card style.

Tips for Ensuring the Data Is Safe in the Cloud

Some of the tips to apply and ensure data safety in the cloud include the following:

1. Turning on two-factor authentication

You'll need to provide your password and a one-time verification code to access your cloud storage account with two-factor authentication. Since new cloud storage accounts have the two-factor authentication feature turned off by default, you should ensure it’s turned on.  

2. Disconnecting devices when not in use

Leaving your phone or computer logged into your cloud account is a significant security lapse. If someone by chance comes into contact with your phone, they might easily compromise your cloud data. Ensure you log out from your cloud storage account when not in active use. 

3. Safeguarding your encryption key

Your encryption key is the safest gateway to accessing your account. First, ensure that you protect this key by never losing it. Second, you should store your encryption key in a safer place where attackers cannot easily access it.

4. Tracking shared files

Cloud storage makes it convenient to share files with family and friends. However, this could be another vulnerability to your data on the cloud. As a preventive measure, make sure that you periodically track the files you share with people and revoke access for those that no longer need them.

Conclusion

Cloud backup is the safest way to store your data since it limits damage and illegal access by attackers. Before settling on a given cloud service provider, make sure you assess them to determine if they fit your needs.

One of the most recommended cloud backup services is EaseUS Todo Backup. This tool comes with a free version that offers up to 250GB of free cloud backup! The software tool is also easy to download and install on your computer.