Local vs cloud backup for survival information—what’s best?

Local Backups for Immediate Access

Local backups are essential for survival information, as they provide immediate access to critical data. Store backups on external hard drives or USB drives, which can be easily transported. Use a 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies of data, two different types of storage, and one offsite copy. For example, store a copy on an external hard drive, another on a USB drive, and a third offsite in a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend or family member.

Cloud Backups for Redundancy

Cloud backups provide redundancy in case of equipment failure or natural disasters. Choose a cloud storage service with a proven track record of reliability and security, such as Backblaze or CrashPlan. Store critical data in the cloud, but avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or financial data. Set up automatic backups and consider using a cloud storage service with a versioning system, which allows you to revert to previous versions of files if needed.

Combining Local and Cloud Backups

The best approach is to combine local and cloud backups for maximum redundancy and access. Use an external hard drive or USB drive for local backups and store critical data in the cloud. Regularly transfer data from local backups to the cloud to ensure consistency. This approach provides immediate access to data and ensures that it is protected from equipment failure, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events.