For years, I’ve written about technology and heard from readers, clients and friends in the community. It’s heartening to see how many people now use cloud storage tools like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive. These services have made life more convenient by allowing us to access files anywhere, share them easily and keep everything organized.
But here’s the thing: storage isn’t backup.
Imagine accidentally deleting an important folder of photos or losing access to your files because of a cyberattack. Cloud storage alone can’t protect against these risks, which is why a proper backup strategy is essential. This Chanukah, why not start a new tradition? Let’s safeguard your digital life with a smart backup plan.
Why Cloud Storage Isn’t Enough
While tools like OneDrive and Google Drive are excellent for syncing files, they don’t offer the full protection of a true backup. Here are three common risks of relying only on cloud storage:
- Human Error: Accidentally delete a file? That change gets synced everywhere, and your data may be lost for good.
- Sync Failures: Network problems, paused services or accidental logouts can stop your files from syncing, leaving gaps in your data.
- Ransomware Attacks: Cyberattacks can encrypt your cloud files, locking you out entirely.
To protect against these risks, make regular backups to a second cloud service or create local backups on external drives. Businesses should consider hiring IT professionals to handle this process securely and consistently.
Be Careful With USB Drives
When you see USB drives on sale, it’s tempting to grab them for backups, but beware. Some drives may have hidden malware or falsely advertised storage capacities.
At Garb Cloud Consulting Group, we avoid off-the-shelf USB drives for backups. Instead, we create custom-built external hard drives using high-performance NVMe technology. Paired with proprietary software, these drives deliver faster and more secure backups.
Ensure Your Cloud Services Are Working
Before starting your backups, make sure your cloud storage services are syncing properly. Follow these steps:
- Check Sync Icons: Look for a green checkmark in OneDrive or Google Drive. Gray or paused icons signal problems.
- Restart Devices Weekly: Regular restarts ensure updates and syncing processes run smoothly.
- Verify Files Online: Check the web version of your cloud service to confirm your files are up-to-date.
Chanukah Giveaway:
8 Days of Backup Solutions
This Chanukah, we’re celebrating with an “8 Days of Backup Giveaway” to help families protect their digital memories. Each night, one family will win a free one-terabyte offline backup on a custom-built external hard drive.
What’s included:
Full backup of your cloud data (up to 1TB).
A high-performance external hard drive for offline storage.
Remote or on-site assistance to complete the process.
How to enter:
Email us at [email protected] with:
Your family name and a brief explanation of why your files are important and why you’d like to protect them.
Note: This raffle is for families only, not businesses. Winners will be notified daily during Chanukah.
A Chanukah-Inspired Backup Routine
Even if you don’t enter the raffle, Chanukah is a great time to create a backup tradition. Dedicate each night to safeguarding a specific type of data:
Day 1: Cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive).
Day 2: Family photos and videos.
Day 3: Important documents (passports, insurance, etc.).
Day 4: Financial records (taxes, investments, etc.).
Day 5: Kids’ school projects.
Day 6: Music and entertainment libraries.
Day 7: Emails and communications.
Day 8: Back everything up to an external drive.
By the end of the holiday, you’ll have a well-organized, protected digital life.
Summary
Data loss can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. While cloud storage is incredibly convenient, it isn’t a substitute for a proper backup strategy. This Chanukah, take steps to protect your most important files. Whether you join our raffle, work with professionals or create your own backup routine, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your digital life is secure for the future.
Shneur Garb is the owner and founder of The Garb Cloud Consulting Group.