More and more our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. We rely on our devices to store precious memories, essential documents, and critical business information. Yet, this reliance comes with a significant risk: data loss.  

Hardware failures, cyberattacks, accidental deletions, and even natural disasters can all lead to the irretrievable loss of valuable data. This is where a solid backup strategy becomes essential, and a hybrid approach offers the most comprehensive solution. 

Understanding Backup Strategies 

Before we look into the specifics of a hybrid strategy, let’s first understand the two primary backup methods: local and cloud. 

1. Local Backups 

Local backups involve storing copies of your data on a device that is physically located with you, such as an external hard drive, SSD, or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. Using this method comes with several advantages. Firstly, it provides quick and easy access to your backups whenever you need them. Secondly, you have complete control over your data, as it is stored within your physical possession.  

The 3-2-1 backup rule is a popular guideline for local backups, and means keeping three copies of your data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite. Ultimately it means maximum redundancy while minimising the risk of losing all your data in a single event. 

2. Cloud Backups 

Cloud backups, on the other hand, mean storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet. In terms of advantages, it means your data is safe even if your local devices are damaged or stolen. Cloud backups are incredibly convenient as they can be automated and accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. 

It’s imperative that you choose a cloud backup service that prioritises security. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a feature that guarantees only you can access your data, and the service provider cannot decrypt it. Popular cloud backup services include Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox, but for more sensitive data, consider services with strong E2EE like Proton Drive. It’s also possible to use encryption tools like Cryptomator before uploading your files to the cloud, which can also be cheaper than paying for a dedicated service like Proton Drive. 

Building Your Hybrid Backup Strategy 

A hybrid backup strategy combines the strengths of both local and cloud methods to provide the ultimate data protection. 

Prioritise Your Data 

Not all data is created equal. Start by categorising your data based on its importance. Extremely sensitive data, such as financial records, irreplaceable photos, Grand Eagle casino logins, and essential work documents, should be prioritised for local backups with an additional encrypted copy in the cloud. Essential data, like regularly used software and project files, can be backed up locally and to a standard cloud service. Non-essential data, including movies, music, or your library of books, may only require a single backup location. 

Choosing the Right Local Backup Solution 

When selecting a local backup solution, consider your needs and budget. External hard drives offer large storage capacities at affordable prices, while SSDs provide faster transfer speeds but are generally more expensive. For users with multiple devices or those needing advanced features like media streaming, a NAS device might be a worthwhile investment. 

Choosing the Right Cloud Backup Solution 

Evaluate cloud backup services based on several factors, including security (E2EE is essential), storage capacity, pricing, and features like file versioning and syncing capabilities. While services like Google Drive offer generous free storage and seamless integration with other Google services, they lack E2EE. Consider Proton Drive or similar services for sensitive data. 

Implementing Your Hybrid Backup Strategy 

Once you’ve chosen your preferred local and cloud solutions, it’s time to implement your hybrid strategy. 

• Local Backup Implementation: Setting up local backups is typically straightforward. Connect your external drive or NAS device to your computer and configure your operating system’s built-in backup software or a third-party application to regularly back up your chosen files and folders. Ensure you enable versioning to retain previous versions of your files, allowing you to recover from accidental changes or deletions. 

• Cloud Backup Implementation: Similarly, setting up cloud backups involves installing the chosen service’s application on your computer and selecting the files and folders you wish to back up. Most services offer automatic syncing, so your cloud backups are always up to date. Try and be mindful of your cloud storage limits and consider deleting old or unnecessary files to free up space. 

Integrating Local and Cloud Backups 

A successful hybrid strategy lies in the integration of local and cloud backups. Back up your critical data both locally (following the 3-2-1 rule) and in the cloud with E2EE. Cloud services like Google Drive are a better choice for less critical data and files you need to access across multiple devices. 

Maintaining Your Hybrid Backup Strategy 

Implementing a hybrid backup strategy is just the first step. To ensure ongoing data protection, regular maintenance is a must. 

• Regularly Test Your Backups: Periodically test your backups to make sure that they are working correctly, and your data can be restored, which involves attempting to restore files from both your local and cloud backups to verify their integrity. 

• Update Your Backup Strategy: Your backup strategy should not be static, so review and update it as your data and needs change. It’s worth considering factors such as increasing storage requirements, new devices added to your network, and evolving security threats. 

Backup Your Data Today 

There are few worse feelings than knowing that you’ve lost important data due to a lack of backups. Sometimes it’s possible to recover this data, but it’s often lost forever. Avoid the worst by making full use of a backup redundancy plan that’s both convenient and beyond failure. A hybrid backup strategy offers the most comprehensive data protection by combining the strengths of local and cloud backups.  

With a strategy like this in place, you’ll never have to worry about losing your precious memories or important documents ever again.