The Best Data Storage: Cloud Storage vs. External Hard Drives

Summary: This 3-minute article examines the pros and cons of Cloud Storage vs. External Hard Drives. Learn what you need to know to decide what storage is best for you. For further guidance, contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ for more comprehensive business IT solutions for data protection and storage.

Before the advent of Cloud Storage and Solid-State Drives (SSDs), data backup and storage solutions for PCs were limited to internal and external hard drives and various external media storage disks such as floppy disks and, later, CDs. Often, disks would become corrupted or scratched, data would be lost and external hard drive reliability was questioned. It often felt like users needed a backup for their backup. Since then, storage devices have become very reliable and store more data than ever. Then The Cloud came along in the late nineties and everything started to change.

Is Cloud Storage Safe?

While HHDs rarely offer any significant cyber security protection, Cloud service providers offer comprehensive multi-layered encryption, two-factor authentication, zero-knowledge encryption, AES 128-bit (or 256-bit) encryption, end-to-end encryption, personal encryption keys and TLS, or Transport Layer Security. Also, by being stored outside your premises, it can afford you secure and simplified disaster recovery. However, although Cloud storage is much more secure than external storage drives, there are still possibilities for the providers and you to fall victim to cyberattacks.

By contrast, you’re on your own regarding security with an external hard drive. With no data encryption, anyone with access to your drive can easily access everything on it. In addition, the mobility offered by external hard drives is undermined by the fact that they can be damaged, destroyed, stolen or physically damaged by electrical storms and other natural disasters.

Are External Hard Drives and Cloud Storage Portable?

Both External HDDs and the Cloud are highly portable. The main difference is that an external HDD is often pocket-sized, easy to take along, and requires no network connection. However, to access the Cloud, you must have an Internet connection to access your files. Therefore, an external drive could be a more secure option if you intend to work in public places with unsecured WiFi. But Cloud storage allows accessing your data from any of your connected devices.

External hard drives employ basic cutting and pasting of data to copy the stored data. With HDDs, data syncing can take a while and automatic syncing requires the drive to be left on. On the other hand, online storage offers automatic syncing, which transfers and updates data from your computer to your Cloud storage. In addition, for file sharing, online storage allows file sharing by email or a link.

Collaboration in Real Time

Real-time collaboration is one of the coolest Cloud features, allowing different users in different geographical locations to work together simultaneously, viewing the same data in real-time. Using the Cloud for file sharing has revolutionized remote access work and supports unparalleled, worldwide collaboration.

Speed

With advances in USB technology (USB 2.0 and 3.0), external HDDs now transfer data at very high speeds. As a result, cloud backup can vary in speed, depending on your local network traffic and the amount of data you are transferring.

Durability

External HDDs can fail at any moment. They can be dropped, whacked, exposed to heat, cold, water and many other vulnerabilities. If the drive contains all your data when it fails, it could be lost permanently. The Cloud presents no physical threat considerations. There is nothing to lose, break or get stolen.

Unlimited Scalability

As with all physical storage media, external drives have a set amount of storage space when you buy them. When you have exhausted the storage memory, that’s it. You either need to get a bigger external drive or…

Switch to The Cloud!

The Cloud offers upgrades to users as they develop the need for more storage space. Also, every Cloud service provider offers affordable plans to expand storage as needed. Another great feature is that users receive warning messages when running out of space in the Cloud. With Cloud storage, you can always store your data, no matter how much you have.

Cost Considerations

Once you purchase an external HDD, there are no further costs related to that device. If you need more storage, you buy another drive. However, there is minimal support available if you run into problems. There’s no data backup and no file recovery available. If files are damaged, you can pay large sums for professional data recovery. A manufacturer’s warranty might cover the drive, but your data is not part of the deal.

In the long term, the Cloud offers so many features not available for external HDDs that the ongoing price you must pay for Cloud storage is more than worth it in the long run. In addition, most service providers offer a starting amount of free storage and users only need to pay for storage after they’ve used up the free space by subscribing to a premium Cloud storage plan. If you own a small to midsized business, planning for expanding data storage is part of ongoing IT maintenance. Ultimately, the security, peace of mind, flexibility and functionality of Cloud storage beat external storage drive hands down.