Who needs which backup approach?

Students working to deadlines

If a draft is deleted or a laptop fails near a submission date, the useful backup is one from which the right version can actually be restored. Check the recovery steps as well as where copies are stored.

Home workers with files on a laptop

For files that must remain available after theft, damage or malware, keep a recoverable copy separate from the laptop. Check workplace rules before using a personal drive or account for work files.

Households backing up several devices

A NAS can provide central storage for multiple devices, but someone must manage its drives, access and maintenance. Important files still need another copy outside that connected system.

What matters when choosing a backup?

Choose how you will recover files and keep a copy separate before comparing drive speed or convenience. An encrypted drive addresses access after loss or theft, but encryption does not create another backup.

Portable drive

Choose it when: You want a local copy that you can disconnect after backing up, particularly for large folders.

Bear in mind: A drive left connected can be affected alongside the computer; carrying it with the laptop also leaves both exposed to the same loss.

Cloud backup service

Choose it when: You need automatic copies away from a Mac or Windows computer and a way to recover files after losing the device.

Bear in mind: Restoring files depends on internet and account access; check how long changed or deleted files remain recoverable.

Network-attached storage

Choose it when: Several devices need central storage and you are prepared to manage the hardware and access.

Bear in mind: A connected NAS is not an isolated copy; plan a separate backup destination for important files.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Recovery after loss or damage Confirm that an earlier or deleted version can be restored, and try restoring a non-critical folder. Keep one copy separate from the live device or account. If my laptop fails or a draft is overwritten, I need the right files back before work stops. Around 33% of consumers would put recoverability first.
Portable local copies Allow room for the files and versions you intend to keep; check the connector, cable and your computer’s USB support. When I have large folders to copy or carry, I want a local backup without waiting for an upload. Roughly 27% of consumers would make portable local storage their primary concern.
Automatic off-site backup Check which computers and attached drives the service covers, its version-retention period and its restore process. If I move between study or work locations, I want backups to run without carrying a drive. About 20% of consumers would prioritise automatic off-site recovery.
Confidentiality and permission Check the applicable organisation’s approved storage rules before copying controlled files. For authorised portable storage of personal information, check encryption and password recovery. If my files contain personal or organisation-controlled information, I need a permitted route that protects access after a device is lost. Approximately 20% of consumers would put that need first.

Backup mistakes to avoid

  • Treating a connected drive or synced folder as the only backup

    The National Cyber Security Centre describes ransomware incidents affecting connected USB and network storage alongside the original files. A synchronised folder also needs its recovery behaviour checked rather than assumed.

    Keep at least one recoverable copy separate from the live device or account, and test a file restore.

  • Assuming every file has unlimited version history

    Microsoft describes a 30-day OneDrive version-retention period in its cited guidance. Google Drive Help says older versions of uploaded files may be removed after 30 days or 100 newer versions unless kept forever; Google-native files have different version handling.

    Check the retention and restore steps for your account, file types and longest-running projects.

  • Choosing a fast drive without checking the laptop connection

    Samsung’s stated maximum sequential speeds for the T7 Shield depend on a compatible computer, cable and USB mode; they are not a promise of the same speed for every transfer.

    Match the drive’s interface and cable to your laptop before using a maximum speed figure to choose between models.

  • Putting controlled files on a personal service without permission

    A drive or account can be convenient yet unsuitable for employer-controlled or university-controlled files. Loss of portable media can also expose personal information.

    Check the relevant storage and sharing rules first. Where portable storage of personal information is authorised, use appropriate encryption and keep its recovery credentials separate from the device.

Relevant brands and services

Samsung

The T7 Shield portable SSD is relevant when compact local storage and frequent file copying matter.

  • Samsung states maximum sequential read and write speeds of 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s for its T7 Shield under compatible connection conditions.
  • A fast or rugged drive is still only one copy unless files are backed up elsewhere; disconnect a backup drive when appropriate.

Synology

The DS223 and DS223j NAS examples are relevant to households considering central storage for several devices.

  • Synology’s comparison lists two drive bays and 1GbE networking for these models.
  • Plan for installed drives, device management and another backup destination; the NAS itself is connected storage.

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is relevant to people already storing documents there who need to recover an earlier file version.

  • Microsoft Support describes restoring older versions of files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Check the applicable retention period and account settings; work or school administrators may turn document versioning off. Synchronisation alone is not a separate backup plan.

Google Drive

Google Drive users should distinguish recovery for Google-native documents from version handling for uploaded files.

  • Google Drive Help describes ways to inspect file activity and versions.
  • Older uploaded-file versions may be removed after 30 days or 100 newer versions unless kept forever; check the behaviour for the files you use.

Backblaze

Backblaze Computer Backup is relevant to Mac and Windows users seeking computer backup rather than a shared working folder.

  • Backblaze describes coverage for computer data and physically connected external drives.
  • Backblaze calls the service an active mirror, not an archive. Its stated default version history is 30 days; check the current terms before relying on older versions.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Is a synced OneDrive or Google Drive folder a complete backup?

No: synchronisation alone does not establish that an independent, recoverable copy exists. Check version retention, what happens when files are deleted, how to restore them and whether you have another separate copy.

Should I leave an external backup drive plugged in?

Disconnect a drive when it is not needed if it holds the copy you intend to keep separate from the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre describes ransomware affecting connected backup storage, so also check that you can restore files from the disconnected copy.

Can I use my own drive or cloud account for work or university files?

Only use a personal route for controlled files if the applicable employer or university rules permit it. Check the rules for the specific files, device and account before copying confidential material.

What does encryption change for a portable backup drive?

Encryption helps protect access to stored personal information if an authorised backup drive is lost or stolen, as explained by the Information Commissioner’s Office. It does not create another copy, so keep a separate backup and a safe way to recover the password.

Does a NAS replace an offline or off-site backup?

No: a NAS can centralise storage but remains connected unless deliberately isolated. For important files, arrange a separate recoverable copy that is not exposed to the same device or network incident; the National Cyber Security Centre advises separating backup media from working systems.