Choose automatic cloud backup when a small organisation needs an off-site copy with little routine handling; choose an external drive or network-attached storage (NAS) when local restoration matters. If both needs matter, combine local and off-site copies, protect access to them and test restores. A synchronised folder alone is not an independent backup of critical data.
If losing contacts, invoices, documents or customer information would disrupt work, keep a copy that can be restored separately from the live device or synchronised folder. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping critical data independently in another safe place or service.
When no one can reliably make manual copies, look for automatic backup, a manageable way to check whether jobs have run, clear restore steps and protected administrator access.
Shared files and several computers can make centrally managed local storage useful. A NAS may serve that role, provided someone can maintain it and arrange a separate protected copy beyond the NAS.
Start with how you would recover essential files if the working device became unavailable. Then decide whether automatic operation, on-site restoration or a portable offline copy is your next priority.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Independent recovery | Confirm that backup versions remain recoverable separately from live or synchronised files, and test a restore. | If my working device or its files become inaccessible, I need a separate copy I can actually restore; around 33% of consumers put independent recovery first. |
| Low-effort operation | Check automatic scheduling, coverage of the intended devices and alerts for failed jobs. | With no dedicated administrator, I cannot depend on someone remembering every copy. For around 25% of consumers, manageable automatic backup is the primary need. |
| Local restoration | Check supported data sources, restore options and the separate destination for a local system’s backup. | When several computers share important files, I want a practical way to restore them on site; around 25% of consumers prioritise local recovery. |
| Portable confidential copies | Check capacity, encryption and password arrangements, and how the device will be stored between updates. | If I need to carry or store an offline copy of selected sensitive files, I need to control who can access the device. Around 17% of consumers make that portable-copy need their priority. |
A deletion, corrupted file or compromised account may affect files that remain accessible through a synchronised service. The National Cyber Security Centre advises an independent copy of critical data in another safe place or service.
Check how previous versions are restored, and make sure a separately recoverable copy is part of the plan.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can affect connected USB and network storage as well as original data. A connected copy may therefore be exposed during the same incident.
Disconnect removable storage when it is not being updated, and protect at least one copy from access through the live environment.
Multiple drives or snapshots do not, by themselves, put a recoverable copy outside the NAS or its premises.
Check the supported backup sources and restore options, then arrange a separate protected destination and test recovery.
A diskless NAS also needs suitable drives; ongoing updates, permissions and the second backup destination need someone to manage them.
Encryption can help protect data on a lost device, but the copy still needs to be current, recoverable and kept securely. The Information Commissioner's Office notes that encrypted personal information remains personal information when the organisation can access the data and its key.
Control passwords and recovery access, store the device securely and practise restoring the files it holds.
A NAS route for organisations managing backups from several computers or other supported systems.
A NAS-based route for teams considering local backup alongside remote-server or cloud destinations.
Encrypted removable storage for a controlled, portable copy of selected files.
A cloud endpoint-backup route for teams seeking automatic copies without managing local backup hardware.
These products cover portable local storage and a diskless NAS for shared local storage. Whichever route fits your work, plan how to keep an independent protected copy and restore essential files.
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A portable drive to consider when you can manage a local copy of business files. Its stated capacity is 2TB; keep the drive disconnected between updates and test that essential files can be restored.
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A 5TB portable local-storage option labelled for Mac use. Check compatibility with the computer and backup software you intend to use, and keep another protected copy if loss of the premises is a concern.
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A local NAS option to assess when several users need shared storage. It is a two-bay diskless unit, so choose compatible drives and check usable capacity; arrange a separate protected backup and test restoration.
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A portable local-storage option for keeping a separate copy of selected files. The product name specifies 1TB and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check compatibility, encryption and backup scheduling against your requirements before choosing it.
No, not for critical business data. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping an independent copy in another safe place or service rather than relying solely on a cloud service’s deleted-file recovery; check that you can restore the copy.
Check what data and devices are covered, how earlier versions can be restored and who can change or delete backups. Protect privileged accounts with multi-factor authentication and restrict access from ordinary user devices where possible; the National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected cloud backup locations can be affected by ransomware.
Its location alone does not settle which rules apply. The Information Commissioner's Office explains that UK GDPR international-transfer rules may apply when personal information is transferred or made accessible to a separate organisation outside the UK. Check the provider’s processing and access arrangements against your organisation’s circumstances.
Make copies regularly and test that essential information can be restored. The National Cyber Security Centre advises daily or weekly copies of essential information and regular restore testing; set a schedule around how much recent work your organisation could afford to lose.
No. Encryption addresses access to the data, not whether the copy is current or restorable. The Information Commissioner's Office identifies encryption as a measure to consider according to the risks involved; also control passwords, store the drive securely and test a restore.