Cloud backup vs. local backup
Local backups restore fast. Cloud backups survive fire, theft, and ransomware. The 3-2-1 rule says you probably want both. Here is how to decide the mix.
A backup only matters on the day you need to restore it. The right backup design depends on what can go wrong, such as a failed drive, a deleted folder, ransomware, a fire, or a stolen laptop, and how quickly you need to be working again.
Local and cloud backups protect against different failures, which is why most resilient setups use both.
Cloud backup
Copies stored with a provider in another location. They survive local disasters and theft, can be made immutable against ransomware, and require no hardware on site, but large restores take longer over the internet.
Local backup
Copies on a device in your office, such as a NAS or external drive. Restores are fast and do not depend on internet speed, but the copy can be lost to the same fire, flood, theft, or ransomware that hits the original.
Side by side
| Factor | Cloud backup | Local backup |
|---|---|---|
| Restore speed | Limited by internet bandwidth | Fast |
| Survives a site disaster | Yes | No |
| Ransomware resistance | Strong if immutable | Weak if always connected |
| Ongoing cost | Subscription by storage | Hardware and replacement |
| Management | Provider maintains infrastructure | You maintain the device |
Choose cloud backup when
- You need protection against fire, theft, or ransomware.
- You have no reliable place on site for hardware.
- Your data is already mostly in cloud services.
Choose local backup when
- You need fast restores of large files.
- Internet bandwidth at your site is limited, as at many rural sites.
- You want a quick first line of recovery.
The bottom line
Follow the 3-2-1 rule. Keep a local copy for speed and a cloud copy, ideally immutable, for disasters and ransomware. Then test restores on a schedule. See Business Continuity & Recovery.
Still deciding?
Bring the decision to a short call. We will tell you which option we would choose in your position, and why.