If you don’t want to use any of the devices, another option to keep your data safe and secure is Cloud Storage. “Cloud” storage refers to data living on a removable storage device (previously discussed above) and can be accessed via server. Many cloud data storages such as Dropbox or OneDrive have been described as ‘infrastructure as a service.” (IaaS). In IaaS, you can access computing resources like servers, storage, networking, and virtualization.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage.
Advantage #1: Disaster Recovery (DR)
With cloud storage, data is safer from system failure as it is stored and backed up on a distant device. This saves you time and money by avoiding data retrieval after a hard-drive malfunction. Therefore, with cloud computing, the suppliers automate the backup process for you. And therefore, there is no need to back up your data on an external device yourself. The work is already done for you.
Advantage #2: Access your data anywhere.
Since your data is stored remotely, you can access it through the internet. Whether you’re in Melbourne or London, this is helpful for frequent travelers or teams in different time zones.
Cloud-storage also helps the collaboration process when your team is spread out across the globe. Everyone in your team can access it with their own login credentials and make any amendments to your own projects or tasks. This eliminates the need to worry about location or distance affecting collaboration. When you use cloud storage, you’re not restricted by place or medium and your employees can work from home or abroad.
Advantage #3: Low Cost
With cloud storage, you don’t have to pay for software license and updates separately. Most cloud storage suppliers offer monthly or yearly payment options that suit any business size and budget.
Cloud storage also avoids the need to invest in expensive server infrastructure since the cloud company provides this off-site for you. Outsourcing storage to the cloud means you don’t need to pay for a dedicated professional. Unlike in-house employees, you do not need to pay the cloud storage company sick-pay or holiday pay. And therefore, this is a saving to your business expenses.
Advantage #4: Scalability
You only pay for storage that you need. As your business expands, the cloud supplier can adapt your data storage accordingly. You simply extend the amount of storage by varying how you need to pay. Likewise, if your business shrinks, you can then opt for less storage space at a reduced cost.
Scalable payment plans such as ‘pay as you go’ are also becoming increasingly available. Thus, cloud storage is catering to all businesses great and small.
Advantage #5: Security
Professional cloud storage companies have better data security than small businesses. Many clouds storage suppliers offer password protected data storage solutions. Data is then sent over the internet using encryption technology. This helps to ensure that the highest standards of security are implemented.
For example, Google Cloud offers an additional service of encrypting your data on the server side before it is written to disk at no additional charge. Google Cloud provides encryption key management options for increased data security.
Disadvantage #1: Lack of total control
Since your data is being held offside by a company you do not control, you lack the ability to control and customise your data storage set-up. This is likely to be a bigger issue for larger businesses who have more complex storage needs. Unfortunately, the cloud data storage company cannot customise this.
Disadvantage #2: Difficult to migrate.
Once you’ve signed up and started using one cloud storage supplier, it is difficult to migrate data to another cloud supplier later.
This is a phenomenon known as ‘vendor lock-in’. Medium to large businesses that store massive amounts of data with a single cloud provider must deal with the challenge of being tied to that vendor. Transitioning to a different supplier could be difficult because of the large amount of data and complexities.
It can be costly, disruptive, and time-consuming for a business to move to a new supplier if your cloud storage. So, it is wise to research what your business storage needs are before signing up for a cloud storage contract.
Disadvantage #3: Requires Internet Connection
If your internet connection fails, so does your access to remotely stored data. Internet failure thus leads to costly downtime when your business heavily relies on cloud storage. If your internet connection is slow, you will need to wait a long time to access your remotely stored data.
No cloud storage provider offers an outage free service. In 2014, Dropbox, a major cloud storage provider, experienced an outage that lasted for two days. This unfortunately caused a lot of inconvenience for many of Dropbox’s customers.
Disadvantage #4: Security and privacy concerns
Cloud storage can mean entrusting private information to a third-party company. Before you transfer data to a cloud storage provider, you must have utter faith that this company can keep your data secure.
In one instance, Dropbox was hacked back in 2012 and over 68 million users’ email addresses and passwords were leaked on the Internet. In the wake of this hack, it is crucial to enhance security measures by implementing stronger passwords and two-step authentication. It is also a lesson for cloud storage providers to provide solid encryption practices for securing users’ passwords.
Disadvantage #5: Fixed contracts can be an issue.
Some cloud storage suppliers may try to fix you into a long-term contract. This may be a disadvantage if your data storage needs reduce, meaning you must now pay for storage you are not using. This can be a lengthy and expensive exercise, especially if some contracts are non-negotiable, particularly for the user.
Another concern is that some cloud storage offers fixed “packages”. The (possibly) large number of users is related to this: it is not possible to draw up a different contract for each user. In fact, “take it or leave it” applies. Unlike traditional IT projects, Cloud only offers a service. Keeping that in mind, is that the training, hardware and project management and software development are not very common with a cloud contract.
Conclusion
In conclusion, data storage is an ever-changing phenomenon of how we live and work. It is important to take seriously how you can keep your data safe and secure. For each business, this will be different.
It’s crucial to stay vigilant with your data and reduce security risks, especially if your business relies on cloud storage. To keep your data secure, use a password manager to change passwords often and install antivirus software on your computers.
It is my opinion that cloud storage offers more advantages than disadvantages, despite security concerns. However, please conduct your own research to find out your business needs. This may include speaking with your own management, human resources, or IT departments.
