Today’s businesses need to store more data than ever. Data storage requirements are growing by about 40 percent each year. It’s crucial to choose storage solutions that keep your data secure. In 2018, there was an average of 62 cyberattacks each day, many targeting businesses and their sensitive information.
To keep your data both safe and accessible, you should find the right storage and backup solutions. There are numerous options, including cloud storage, thumb drives, and disk drives. Each has its own pros and cons, so you need to consider your specific storage needs before making a decision. You might even use multiple options for different purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of each storage choice to help you find the best combination for your small business:
**Cloud Storage**
Cloud storage allows you to store files and information on various servers instead of a local hard drive. This means your data is backed up in a separate location.
One major benefit of cloud storage is its accessibility. You can access the same files from your desk, home computer, or laptop while traveling. It also allows you to share files with team members or clients easily. Keeping files in a separate location can be beneficial for disaster recovery; you can still reach important data even if your local servers are destroyed.
Security, however, is a concern with cloud storage. Since you don’t store the data directly, you have less control over who accesses it. Cloud storage platforms are often targeted by hackers, so it may not be the best option for sensitive information like customer data, financial records, or confidential company files. Despite these concerns, about 80 percent of businesses use cloud storage in some capacity.
**Thumb Drive**
A thumb drive is a small, portable device that plugs into a computer’s USB port for storing and sharing files. You can easily back up files or share documents between different devices.
Thumb drives are small and easy to use—you just plug them in and drag and drop files. Some even offer password protection for extra security. However, using a thumb drive on an infected device can spread viruses or malware. Their small size also makes them easy to lose or break, so they shouldn’t be your primary storage solution for crucial data.
**Disk Drive**
A disk drive stores information using rotating disks and electro-mechanical technology. Disk drives can be inside a computer or laptop or on an external hard drive.
Disk drives are affordable and simple to use. They come in various capacities, often offering more storage than thumb drives, making them suitable for large files or programs. However, disk drives don’t last forever, and when they fail, you could lose your data. It’s wise to back up data stored on disk drives to another source. They also usually lack password protection and advanced security features, so they may not be ideal for very sensitive information. However, someone would need physical access to the disk to retrieve the data.
By understanding these options, you can choose the best storage solutions to meet your business’s needs and protect your valuable data.
