Local Backup: Pros and Cons of an On-Site System
Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do to protect your business. You might be thinking about a local backup option, but what are the pros and cons?
Firstly, what exactly is a local backup and what forms can that take?
What Is A Local Backup
Also known as a cold backup, a local backup is simply taking a copy of your data and storing it on some form of local storage unit. This can include discs, USB drives, and the most common form, physical hard drives.
The Pros of Local Backup
We’re going to let you know right away, relying solely on a physical data backup is not a good idea. An online, cloud-based backup is the way to go, but there are a few pros to cover if you want to supplement your online storage.
It Can Be Faster
Due to your storage being located on site, data backup recovery can be faster when using physical storage. However, notice how we said it “can” be faster. Choosing the right company to manage your online storage can mean cloud-based storage is just as fast.
Control
The most obvious benefit is that you have direct access to your data, choosing where to store your drive, along with when and how often to back up.
Cost
Another reason businesses are attracted to the idea of on-site storage is because of the one-time cost benefit. However, the initial cost is usually much higher than its cloud-based counterpart.
The Cons of Local Backup
While there are some benefits, the cons of a local backup are just too dangerous to ignore.
Risk of Damage
Data backups stored on site are directly vulnerable to certain dangers, especially the ones you’re protecting your data from in the first place. If a flood or fire occurs and damages your data, the local drives will also likely be destroyed.
What sort of things can damage a hard drive?
- Being hit accidentally
- Falling over
- Being dropped
- Moisture
- Static electricity
- Surge damage
When, Not If
Physical hard drives and disks don’t last forever. They will fail eventually, and you’re never quite sure when. Some last years, some malfunction after simply falling over. Nothing could be worse than initiating a data recovery only to find your drives are toast.
Condition
This point piggy-backs off some earlier points, through things like maintenance and hidden costs. Making sure your drives are functioning properly is your responsibility when they are on-site. Replacing them if they fail, keeping them clean, and more. This means added risks and costs.
Physical Theft
Another reason people choose a local backup is because it sounds safer when it comes to theft. After all, physical drives aren’t vulnerable to things like ransomware. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t simply be picked up or loaded onto a thumb drive.
As you can see, on-site backups are not worth the headache. Storing your data in the cloud is the far superior option and as long as you have the right cyber security provider behind you, it’s safer too.
Who is the right cyber security provider? QuickProtect, of course.
We simplify cyberprotection, so you can focus on what matters most, running your business.
