Some of the key features of online backup are that it involves backing up data using offsite storage, it is provided by a company through the Internet, it may eliminate or assuage the debilitating effects of data loss, and users may encrypt or password-protect their backup data.
If you have any important documents or files stored in your computer, you might want to implement additional security measures such as creating an online backup. Having an online backup of your important data may save you a lot of trouble in the future or under unfortunate circumstances. You need to understand some key features about this process to better appreciate it.
It involves backing up data using offsite storage
Online backup is also called remote backup. This is because the practice involves backing up files, folders or an entire hard drive to a remote server or to a separate computer with a network connection. Unlike the traditional backup method of saving on CDs or external hard drives, the user does not need to worry about constantly making copies because remote backup is usually automatic. Additionally CDs and external hard drives can be misplaced or stolen and if calamities strike, these medium can also be destroyed.
It is provided by a company through the Internet
There are several companies that offer backup and data archiving services on the Internet for interested subscribers. Some of these backup and archiving services may be utilized for a limited period depending on the agreement, while other companies maintain archived data indefinitely so their users can easily access it anytime. Customers may avail themselves of backup storage services for a fee and will only need to connect to the Internet for files that they select to be automatically copied to the service provider’s storage. This method is also known as web-based backup. When a user has a high-speed Internet connection, the backup process is more convenient and similar to storing data on an external local drive.
It may eliminate or assuage the debilitating effects of data loss
Data loss can have many debilitating effects especially for personal files or important data used in a business that can no longer be recovered. The main goal of remote backup is to remove or at least reduce the effects of data loss as a result of unforeseen circumstances or accidents such as fire, file corruption, sudden power surges, burglary and many others. When you constantly backup your files and important data, the risk of permanent data loss is practically eliminated and you can easily retrieve or access the backup copies of your data.
Users may encrypt or password protect their backup data
Some people may be more hesitant about sharing data over the Internet than they are about storing it in an external storage location. This is where password protection and encryption come in handy. Password protection prevents intruders from gaining access to confidential data, and encryption translates these files into code so that even if they are stolen or illegally accessed, the intruder will not be able to make sense of the data. These two features help ensure privacy and secure data transfers and storage.
Online backup ultimately offers peace of mind and security to its users. But to get the most out of this service, it is important that consumers assess how much backup service they require and what other precautions should be taken.