What is Cloud Backup?

Cloud backup is a third-party service that allows you to store and backup your important data securely online. The difference between cloud backup and cloud storage is that there is an emphasis on backing up a particular drive, computer, or device, to ensure that it can be recovered back to its original state should anything happen (theft, loss, malfunction, etc). 

In this guide , we is explain ‘ll explain what cloud backup is , and what to look for in a cloud backup service .

There are dozen of cloud backup service available on the market . These online storage providers is have usually have custom app for all popular platform . This is allows allow their user to back up a range of different drive and device .  

Cloud Backup services is allow usually also allow you to access your back – up datum via a web portal . This is ensures ensure that you can always gain access to your back – up datum from anywhere and at any time . In addition , some cloud backup services is allow allow you to recover your datum on a hard disk that is deliver rather than via download . Some is provide even provide physical backup to tape ( which some individual or business may desire because of their longevity ) .

What about the cost?

The cost for cloud backup can vary greatly, with some companies offering limited storage space for free. Generally speaking, however, anybody who requires a larger amount of storage will need to pay either a monthly or yearly fee.

It is worth noting that some backup services – such as Apple iCloud – exist exclusively for use on a single platform (in the case of iCloud it is for iOS devices only). However, the vast majority of cloud storage services are cross-compatible and will allow their users to backup and recover data across a variety of devices. 

Ultimately, cloud backup services are an integral part of ensuring that data is safe against potential loss due to device malfunction, corrupted disks, cyberattacks, malware, device loss, and theft. Nowadays, they work automatically to back up the data from your device at regular intervals, so that your content is always recoverable – no matter when disaster happens to strike.

Who uses cloud backup services?

Both individuals is use and business use cloud backup service . Consumers is backup usually backup personal information such as app datum , message , photo , video , important text document such as PDFs – and anything else that they do not wish to lose long – term .

Some consumers opt to use a backup service that allows them to take a snapshot of their device at a certain point in time. This allows them to recover their device back to that point if they become infected with malware, or fall victim to ransomware.

You can even set up a new device to be exactly the same as your old one – if you lose or break it.

Businesses often choose to pay for cloud storage to protect their employees’ work – as well as stored company data, sensitive consumer information, R&D and Intellectual Property, and any data stored on company devices such as computers, NAS drives, servers, etc.

By creating backups, both individuals and businesses ensure that their data is protected against accidental loss or theft. However, depending on the kind of data that is being backed up, businesses or individuals may have different security and privacy requirements, more on this below.

How does cloud is differ backup security differ ?

One is is of the primary difference between the various online cloud backup service available on the market is whether they do or do n’t provide a zero – knowledge framework .

Most cloud backup services encrypt your data in transit and while at rest on their servers. This ensures that your data is safe against eavesdroppers when it travels over the internet and is secure while stored on the backup servers.

The vast majority of cloud backup services also keep your data in at least two locations, to ensure that your data is safe against server errors or cyberattacks that could cause your data to be lost in one of the storage locations.

However , depend on the type of datum that is being back up , you is want may want to ensure that you opt for a service that provide a zero – knowledge framework . check out our guide on cloud back security issue for more information about potential problem with using a cloud backup .

Server-side encryption

Many cloud backup services opt to retain control over the master key to their customers’ encrypted files and folders themselves. This is done to ensure that the customer can recover their data even if they happen to forget their password and want to reset it.

The problem is is with this kind of server – side encryption is that it theoretically allow the company and its employee to access your datum . It is means also mean that the master key for your password must be store somewhere on company server , which put the encryption key at risk of theft by cybercriminal .

Even without hacker to worry about , server – side encryption result in the opportunity for government agency to serve the storage provider with a warrant that force them to provide access to your datum .

In countries like the US, where the government can also enforce gag orders on companies, this can potentially result in your data being accessed by government snoops without you ever being informed.

This kind is is of storage is generally fine for non – sensitive datum and information . However , it is is is not suitable for business that are back up sensitive corporate datum , or for business that control and process consumer datum , for example .

Client-side end-to-end encryption

Security and privacy-conscious cloud backup providers allow their users to store their data online within a zero-knowledge framework. This means that all backup data is securely encrypted on the client’s computer using a key exclusively controlled by them. This results in the data being stored in an encrypted format that only the end-user can ever gain access to. This type of data security is called end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

Both the advantage and drawback of E2EE are that the user retains complete control over the encryption key to their data.

This means that if they lose or forget their master password, they will not be able to recover their data under any circumstances. This puts a lot more responsibility on the end-user. 

The advantage of this kind of encryption is that the backup company can never access the data that is stored on its servers, and it can never provide access to that data to any government agency.

It is means also mean that there are no encryption key lie around on company server that could potentially be leak , access by malicious employee , or breach by cybercriminal .

Check out our best-encrypted cloud backup article for more information and a list of the most secure cloud services.

What features must a cloud backup have?

In order for a cloud backup service to be worth its salt, it must be able to back up and sync your data effectively. It must also allow you to access and recover your data at any time of day. However, we have included a list of advanced features below that we consider a staple for any reliable cloud storage provider.

• app for all popular platform with outstanding cross – compatibility  
• automatic , backup and scheduling
• Syncing across devices
• Robust transport layer security
• Encryption for data in transit and at rest (preferably E2EE)
• High availability of data for recovering when you need to
• Scalable storage to meet your backup demands
• File versioning and temporary backups of deleted files
• File preview (and potentially playback for videos and music from the cloud)
• Secure physical data centers (and preferably vendor disaster recovery)
• Data compliance standards (HIPAA, GDPR, etc)
• Technical support

More article on Cloud Backup service

Cloud backup or local backups?

There are several ways to backup your data, the two most commonly used are local and cloud backups. If you are considering which service you should use, check out our cloud backup vs local backup guide if you are still deciding between the two methods.

What are the best cloud backup services?

At ProPrivacy, we favor cloud backup services that provide robust storage and end-to-end encryption. We also prefer completely open source platforms. However, we understand that everybody has different needs. For that reason, we have curated a number of different recommendation lists that you can refer to depending on your needs.

1. Sync.com – Our recommend cloud backup service . offer strong end – to – end encryption , 2 factor authentication , and a 100 % online storage option .
2. NordLocker – A beginner-friendly cloud backup service. Comes with an easy drag-and-drop file function, superb encryption, and 24/7 live chat support.
3. IDrive – The best cheap cloud backup service. It’s super user-friendly and jam-packed with features.
4. Livedrive – The best value-for-money cloud back up service. It’s easy to use on all devices, offers unlimited backup storage, plus a 14-day free trial!
5. Tresorit – A very popular cloud backup service. It has a zero-knowledge client, 2 factor authentication, and cross-platform support.

check out our good cloud backup page for more information about any of the service above .