Although cloud services for saving files are increasingly in vogue, we must never forget the physical media that can be left in a drawer at home, such as USB flash drives and external hard drives.
Our recommendation, as paranoid as it may seem, is to store the essential information in both systems: in the cloud and at home;
and for the latter case we prefer hard drives.
The thing is, the only thing better than a backup is two backups.
That is, if the idea is that those photos that bring back so many memories are always with us, it is better to
have them well secured with a hybrid system
.
Also, the advantage of a hard drive over a cloud service is that in the former you don't need to connect to the Internet to access the files, and they will end up costing much less than a service that you have to pay month by month.
To put the problem in figures, ESET conducted a survey that found that more than 63% of users saw how all their
photos, videos, and lifelong work were lost forever
because they did not have data backups.
The study was carried out in 10 Latin American countries, including Argentina.
The files that are stored on the cell phone or on the computer have many enemies: cell phones can be lost, a thief can take it, or they can be dropped and broken.
In the case of computers, it is not unusual for the internal hard drive to become damaged, which can cause you to lose everything.
And finally, never forget that hackers are capable of taking everything.
Some external hard drives have an encryption system so that only their owner can access them.
Once you point to an external rigid another question arises, whether to opt for a HDD (Hard Drive Disc), which are mechanical;
or one SSD (Solid State Drive), made up of interconnected flash memories.
For data backup,
the old and classic HDDs may be the best option
, because they are cheap and tend to last longer.
The downside is that they are slower to copy information than SSDs.
But if the idea is to save data there, that delay will only be suffered once.
SSDs are more shock resistant
and comprised of newer technology, but are estimated to last less than HDDs.
Always in the field of HDDs, there are 3.5" and 2.5" models.
For the home, the 2.5" models reach, since they usually reach 4TB capacity. In addition, the 3.5" models are more difficult to transport. The SSDs can be smaller, even pocket-sized.
As for speed, it is already very difficult to find hard drives that do not have a
USB 3.0 connection.
This speed allows data transfer quickly.
If the model in question has a minor connection, it is better to avoid it.
Here are six standout models.
Western Digital Elements Portable 1TB
2.5 "HDD, compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7. USB 3.0 connection interface. 1 TB capacity. $34,999.
HDD type.
2.5" size, compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7. USB 3.0 connection interface. 1TB capacity and shock resistant. $34,999.
Seagate Expansion STEA1000400 1TB
2.5” HDD, 1TB capacity.
Connection interfaces: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
$35,999.
HDD technology.
2.5”, it is compatible with Windows 8 and Windows 7. To take it everywhere and use it instantly on any compatible device.
1TB capacity.
Connection interfaces: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
$35,999.
Toshiba Canvio Basics HDTB410XK3AA 1TB
Easy to transport HDD compatible with Windows and Mac. USB 3.0 connection and 1 TB capacity.
$32,990.
Easy to carry HDD drive compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, MacOS 10.12, MacOS 10.10, MacOS X 10.11.
USB 3.0 connection and 1TB capacity.
$32,990.
BIWIN HP P500
Of the SSD type, it is smaller than a credit card.
USB3.1 connection.
The 1TB one costs $42,500.
Of the SSD type, it is smaller than a credit card.
It is easy to transport.
Includes a USB Type C to Type A, USB cable.
USB3.1 connection.
There are three versions, 250 GB, 500 GB and 1 TB.
The prices, $18,000, $24,500 and $42,500 respectively.
Kingston XS2000 SSD
Pocket SSD, with USB 3.2.
Shock resistant rubber cover.
The 1TB retails for $34,300.
Pocket SSD using USB 3.2 speeds.
Built to last: waterproof, dustproof and shock resistant with the included rubber cover.
It comes in three capacities: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB.
And they sell for $22,100, $34,300, and $63,900 respectively.
IronKey Vault Privacy 80 External SSD
Includes hardware encryption for data protection.
Thanks to its touch screen, it is possible to choose between the modes of numerical PIN or access phrase.
For 480 GB, $95,400.
Already with a higher level of sophistication, and for those who need to save files that others should never see, this device includes hardware encryption for data protection.
Thanks to its touch screen, it is possible to choose between the modes of numerical PIN or access phrase.
For 480 GB, $95,400.
look too
External drives, the cloud and more: what is the safest way to save your files
How to shield yourself against cyberattacks: from the "digital condom" to FIDO keys and encrypted disks
