In order to migrate your data off of Pepperdine sponsored data storage services, you will need to have some place to store all of your files. This article will serve as an overview of data backup solutions to keeping your data safe and secure in one place.
Common ways to back-up data include the following:
- Flash or physical drive
- Online backup services
- Online cloud storage (like Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive or Apple iCloud)
Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks in the areas of price, ease of use, security, and storage capacity.
Backup Option Comparison
Below is a basic comparison of data backup solutions. These are categorized by paid cloud backup services (I-Drive, etc.) at the top of the list, a physical drive option (flash drive, and lastly cloud storage services (Google Drive, etc.) at the bottom of the list.
| Service | Cost /yr | Encryption | Remote Accessibility | Storage Capacity | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-Drive | $79.50 ($59.62 for first year) | Private encryption key available | Files accessable from multiple devices | 5 TB | Mobile app for remote access, can order a physical drive of all your data |
| Carbonite | $58.99 | Basic encrypted cloud data | Files accessable from multiple devices | Unlimited | Available integrated anti virus software for extra cost |
| Backblaze | $70 | Private encryption key available | Files accessable from multiple devices | Unlimited | Mobile app for remote access, can order a physical drive of all your data |
| Flash Drive | Fixed Cost, $20-$80 | NA | NA | However much you want to buy | |
| Google Drive* | $19.99, $29.99, $99.99 | Basic encryption | Accessible from any device on your Google account | 100GB for $19.99, 200GB for $29.99, 2TB for $99.99 | Integration with Google suite applications |
| iCloud | $11.88, $35.88, $119.88 | Basic encryption | Accessable across Apple devices and online | 50GB for $11.88, 200GB for $35.88, 2TB for $119.88 | Integration with Apple products and services like iPhone photos |
| One Drive (Microsoft) | $19.99, $69.99 | Basic encryption | Accessable from any device on microsoft account | 100GB for $19.99, 1TB for $69.99 | 1TB option includes Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, etc.) |
Why You May Need a Backup
Getting a backup drive for your files all has to do with assessing your need to protect your data and access your data remotely from the backup. Potential hazards to your data security that may warrant getting a drive include:
- Viruses and malware that could corrupt, take or delete your data
- Stolen or damaged computer
- Corrupted files or accidentally deleted files
Good Practices for Data Backup Maintenance
Wherever you have your data backed up, it is important to make sure you follow some steps to maintain your backup system.
- Backup Schedules; Set a regular interval to back up your data manually, or set your backup service to update data at a regular time interval. Additionally some services, either automatically or by your choice, will back-up data continuously every time you edit it.
- Separate your backups – If you are storing your data on physical drives, it may be best to keep your primary device and your backup as disconnected as possible when not updating your files in order to minimize the risk of spreading malware or viruses that could corrupt your data on the backup drive.
If you have any questions about the information in this article, please feel free to contact Information Services at [email protected] or (310) 506-7425.
