For self-employed remote work, choose a local drive if you need a copy you can restore without reliable internet, cloud backup if you need a copy away from your devices, or a NAS if several computers need one managed local destination. For work files that would be difficult to recreate, a local copy alongside a separate online copy addresses more failure scenarios than either location alone. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping removable backups disconnected when not in use and checking that an earlier version can be restored.
If your laptop is lost, stolen or fails while you work away from a fixed office, you need a copy you can recover without that device. A portable drive can provide a local copy, but keeping another copy away from the laptop matters too. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies loss, theft and device failure as reasons to back up files.
If you regularly revise client documents, accounts or creative files, check how to restore a version from before an accidental deletion, corruption or malicious change. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies recovery from an earlier copy as important even when later versions have been damaged.
If several computers or shared files need protection, a NAS can provide a central local destination. Synology documents separate tools for device backup, point-in-time recovery and versioned off-site backup; a NAS kept at home does not provide the off-site copy by itself.
Start with the failure you most need to recover from, then check whether the route retains an earlier copy and keeps backup access protected.
Choose it when: You need a local recovery copy without depending on an internet connection.
Trade-off: A connected drive can be affected by malware, and a drive kept with your laptop does not protect against losing both.
Choose it when: You want an off-device copy maintained through an online backup routine.
Trade-off: Uploads depend on internet access, while account security and version-retention settings determine what you can recover.
Choose it when: Several computers need a centrally managed local backup destination.
Trade-off: You must manage the NAS and arrange a separate off-site copy.
Choose it when: Essential work files call for both local recovery and a copy away from your premises.
Trade-off: Both backup routines need attention, and you still need to test a restore.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier-version recovery | Check how long changed or deleted versions remain available and try restoring a specific older file; a live mirror alone may reproduce a deletion. | If a client file is overwritten or corrupted, I need the version from before the change. Around 36% of consumers put earlier-version recovery first. |
| Laptop loss or failure | Check that the copy is usable without the original laptop, and consider encryption and safe storage if you carry a backup drive. | When I travel with my laptop, losing it must not mean losing my work files too. Recovering after device loss or failure comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Automatic off-device backup | Check device compatibility, whether your file locations are covered, version retention and two-step verification. | If I am likely to miss a manual drive backup, I need an off-device routine that runs without that step. Around 21% of consumers prioritise automatic off-device backup. |
| Several computers or shared files | Check device support, snapshot requirements, account administration and where a separate NAS backup will be kept. | With work spread across several computers, I need one manageable local destination. Central multi-device backup is the primary concern for around 14% of consumers. |
A current copy may already contain the deletion or damaged file you need to undo. Seagate says its Toolkit mirror updates the other folder when files are added, edited or deleted; that behaviour alone does not establish historical recovery.
Choose software or a service with stated version history, snapshots or separate backup sets, then test a restore of an older file.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that some viruses can affect storage connected to an infected computer. A connected drive could therefore be damaged alongside the files it backs up.
Disconnect removable storage after backup, store it securely and keep another copy away from the device for essential files.
If you discover a problem after the retention window ends, the older version may no longer be available. Backblaze states that its Computer Backup version history is 30 days by default, with longer options.
Check the retention setting you will use and whether it covers deleted files and the devices you intend to protect.
IDrive says it does not store a customer’s private encryption key; without that key, the backed-up data cannot be decrypted and restored.
If you choose a private key, retain a recovery copy securely and separately from the laptop or account you normally use.
Samsung’s portable T7 SSD is a local-drive option for workers who carry their backup storage.
Seagate’s One Touch external drives are a local-storage route for scheduled backup or larger file collections.
Backblaze Computer Backup is an online route for an individual Windows or Mac computer.
IDrive is an online-backup option for people considering a private encryption key.
Synology’s NAS tools address centralised local backup for several devices and separate versioned protection.
Not if it only keeps the current version of your files. For recovery after corruption or deletion, check that the service retains earlier versions and lets you restore them; the National Cyber Security Centre identifies restoration after later versions are corrupted as an important cloud-backup capability.
Disconnect a removable drive when it is not in use if you rely on it for recovery after malware. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that some viruses can affect connected storage; store the drive securely and consider a separate online copy.
Encryption may be appropriate, but UK GDPR does not specifically require every item of personal information to be encrypted. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises considering security measures in light of the risk; assess the files’ sensitivity, the chance of device loss and how you will keep passwords or keys available for recovery.
Use a distinct strong password and enable two-step verification where available. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for online backups; keep account recovery information somewhere you can access if your usual device is lost.
A NAS can serve as a central local backup destination, but one kept at your premises does not itself provide an off-site copy. Synology distinguishes local snapshots from versioned off-site backup, so plan a separate destination if you need to recover after an incident affecting the premises.