Safe Data Storage Online

How to be Sure Your Important Documents are Safe, Secure, & Protected?

Safe data storage online is the digital recording of files and documents that are saved in a storage system for use in the future. Data storage safely backs up files for quick recovery if there is ever a computer crash or cyberattack.

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How Data Storage Works

First, it's important to understand how data storage happens on hard drives, disk drives, USB drives, or virtually online. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your files are backed up and you will always be able to access them should something bad happen.

Keep these factors in mind when considering a safe data storage online solution:

  • Reliability
  • Security features
  • Cost to implement and maintain
Table of Contents
How Data Storage Works
Looking At the Two Main Types of Data Storage
Types of Safe Data Storage Devices
Explaining the Forms of Data Storage
Outlining the Benefits of Safe Data Storage Online
Looking At the Drawbacks of Online Data Storage
The Future of Safe Data Storage Online
The Personal Side of Safe Data Storage Online
Storing Your Important Documents In One Place

Looking At the Two Main Types of Data Storage

The two main types of safe data storage online solutions are direct attached storage (DAS) and network attached storage (NAS).

Direct attached storage includes data storage types that are connected directly to your computer. That means it can usually only be used by one machine. These can be good for creating backups, but sharing data between machines can be tough.

Devices in this category include:

  • Hard drives
  • Solid-state drives
  • CD/DVD Drives
  • Flash drives
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Network attached storage makes it possible for various machines to share safe data storage online. This option allows for better collaboration. Data can easily be shared between connected computers and permissions can be used to control access.

Types of Safe Data Storage Devices

First, you should understand the various data storage options. 

  • SSD and flash storage - Flash storage uses flash memory chips for writing and storing data. A solid-state disk (SSD) flash drive uses flash memory to store data.
  • Hybrid storage - This option mixes the speed of flash with hard drive storage capacity. It’s an economical way to transition without going completely to flash.
  • Cloud storage - Data storage on the cloud is an alternative to storing everything on your hard drive. The files can be accessed from anywhere and make collaboration easier.co
  • Hybrid cloud storage - Hybrid cloud storage allows you to choose between public and private cloud elements. If there is highly sensitive data you want to protect, you can store it privately. Less sensitive items can be stored publicly.
  • Backup software - Backup software regularly runs in the background and creates copies of your data. This is helpful for disaster or attack recovery.
  • Backup appliances - Backup appliances and servers are the devices where your data is stored. They are in another location, with backups of your data, should something happen to your own computers.

Explaining the Forms of Data Storage

Next, decide how you want your data to be recorded and store.
3 main ways data can be recorded and stored:

  1. 1
    File storage - Data is stored in files, the files are put in folders, and the folders are divided into different directories.
  2. 2
    Block storage - This form stores data in blocks. Each block is saved separately and is given a unique way to identify it.
  3. 3
    Object storage - Object storage is used for unstructured data. Some familiar examples include email, videos, photos, web pages, and audio files.

Outlining the Benefits of Safe Data Storage Online

Technology has given us so many tools to change the way we live our lives. Safe online data storage is just one area where we have seen massive innovation and changes throughout the years! 

Benefits of Safe Data Storage Online

  • Usability & Accessibility

    Just think of how easy it is to save a file online. Some programs even have autosave features. Once your data is stored, you can easily access it from anywhere in the world.

  • Disaster Recovery

    Whether it’s personal or business files, you should always have a backup copy available. Online data storage is the perfect way to make sure you’re protected. The files are stored remotely and you have access whenever you need it.

  • Security

    If your computer or any other device were to fail, you can have peace of mind knowing your data is safely stored in another location online. Data is backed up regularly and securely.

  • Cost Effective

     If you use online data storage, you no longer need to pay for in-house tech services and back-up systems. This can be a huge savings in terms of operating costs.

  • Easy Sharing

     If you need to send someone a file, it’s much simpler to send it digitally. It will get to them faster and allows for easy access. You can send a link and don’t need to worry about attaching documents.

  • Automation

    Instead of manually backing up everything, online data storage systems automatically back up and save things for you. You don’t need to schedule anything. It is all done through your online system.

  • Collaboration

    With more and more people working remotely, it is much easier to work as a team when everything is in an easily accessible place. With online data storage, multiple people can work on the same thing at one time from anywhere in the world.

  • Flexible Storage

    You only pay for the resources you use, and you can always add more storage space if you need it.

  • Synchronization

    When you save something in one location, like on your laptop, you can only access it from there. With safe data storage, your files are saved across all platforms and can be accessed from any device. When you make a change to a digital file, it is also saved and automatically available on all devices.

  • Convenience

    Remember when you had to carry around file folders and documents? With online data storage, that’s a thing of the past. You always have access to your files and documents, whether you’re home, on the beach, or in the car. You just connect to it online and everything is automatically saved and backed up for you.

Looking At the Drawbacks of Online Data Storage

However, along with the many benefits of online data storage, there are a few disadvantages. Remember, nothing works 100% of the time.

A few drawbacks to online data storage:

  • Accessibility - If you’re traveling and don’t have an internet connection, you can access your online data storage. Or, if your internet service goes out, you’re stuck and not able to open work on anything remotely.

  • Security - Do you have trouble remembering passwords or use the same one for everything you log into? You have to know how to log in and you don’t want to give just anyone access to your data. It’s up to you to make sure your passwords are saved and secure.
  • Privacy - As with anything online, security flaws can happen. Make sure you know what kinds of guarantees your online data storage solution offers.

The Future of Safe Data Storage Online

Just think of how fast things change and evolve with, let's say the iPhone... Safe data storage online is no different. The most recent trend has been the “multi-cloud” movement. This means second backups or second copies of your data are being stored in an alternate location. Many storage providers are including this in their pricing now.

The biggest factors in choosing a data storage provider are price and speed. As technology advances, more data storage companies will be thinking of innovative ways to adapt their pricing structures. After all, not every person out there needs the same features, so providers who tailor their offerings will find more success.

The biggest factors in choosing a data storage provider are price and speed. As technology advances, more data storage companies will be thinking of innovative ways to adapt their pricing structures. 

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Another important change is the importance of backup. Whether it’s due to hackers or human error, more and more companies want to avoid the loss of data and make sure their information is secure. Data storage providers need to make sure their customers feel secure and know that their important information is safe in the cloud.

The Personal Side of Safe Data Storage Online

While it’s important for businesses to protect and backup their data, it’s also important you do the same for your personal data. Think of all the account numbers, passwords, legal documents, and other important personal files you have stored at home. You need to protect yourself, too. If you don’t feel comfortable storing things online, use a backup hard drive or flash drive to save extra copies.

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Storing Your Important Documents In One Place

As much as we don’t like to think about dying, it’s important to make sure everything is in order for the family we leave behind. That’s where we step in to help. My LifeJars offers you a safe, secure online place to store everything your family needs when you’re no longer with them.

Our app is the perfect place to organize and share all of your important documents, like your last will and testament, your advance care directive, your health care proxy, your enduring power of attorney, and your enduring guardian. We make it simple for you to give access to all the people who will need this information in the future.