Are Online Backups Safe and Secure?
The most prominent online backup service providers stake their reputations on keeping your data safe and secure during both file transfer and the online data storage facilities. Before the files even leave your computer, they are secured using at least 128-bit SSL encryption technology. That is one of the same security measures that banks use while you are performing transactions.
Of course, in this day and age, nothing can be guaranteed to be 100% secure but that is about as close as you can get. The transfer and storage encryption techniques may vary depending on the online backup service you choose to use, but all of the reliable services will use one of the accepted security measures to keep your data safe and secure. I am not claiming to be a security expert but I will try to simplify the process.
How is SSL Encryption Used for Backup Transfer?
SSL, or Secure Socket Layer encryption is the standard for secure web communications and transfers and it is an encryption technique that is very reliable. When referring to SSL for an online backup solution, the security is handled on a software level. There is a client software that needs to be installed on the computer and server software that is installed on the server.
When files are chosen to be backed up over the Internet, essentially a handshake is made between the client and server to establish a secure connection. The client computer reaches out to say there are files coming and the server says, “I know you” and makes a secure connection that allows the data to be transferred with no fear of being hacked or interrupted. The same encryption standards are used when you need to transfer your data back to your PC.
How safe is the Data at the Storage Center
Once your data files are stored in the cloud, another layer of protection is added to prevent others from accessing your data. Depending on the backup solution used, either AES or 448-bit Blowfish encryption is used. AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard. Not quite sure about the 448-bit Blowfish encryption but it sounds really cool and secure. (I did say that I didn’t claim to be a security expert :))
Most of the online backup solutions use geo-redundant data centers for another layer of security. Meaning that they not only back up your files but they also back up the servers to other data centers in a different location. That should give you peace of mind that if something drastic were to happen to one of the data centers, your data is safe and secure at an entirely different location.
Online backup services are very safe and secure. They will keep your data more secure than if they were stored on an external hard drive that sits next to your computer. Just think if there were some sort of disaster that ruins your computer, the files stored on the external drive would be ruined also. Keep your data safe by using an online backup solution.
As cloud computing becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, online backup solutions will become a more safe, secure and convenient way to keep those Megabytes and Gigabytes of data accessible no matter where you are, or what may happen to the original data.
Here are our Recommended Secure Online Backup Solutions:
MyPC Backup
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MyPC Backup is an easy to use online backup strategy to keep your important computer files safe and secure online. Once the files are selected to backup, the application will transfer those files to the cloud and any changes or additions to the files and folders will be automatically backed up to the secure online servers. MyPC Backup allows you to synchronize with multiple computers and offers unlimited storage space for your convenience. This solution offers unlimited online storage and award winning sync functionality in one package, what a concept. Available for MAC and PCs with free mobile apps which allows you to backup your iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle, Windows Surface or Blackberry device. Another plus to the program is the ability to access your photos, music and documents anywhere, anytime that you may need them. See our review of the MyPC Backup Online Backup Solution. Save 35% on MyPC Backup when you find the Secret Link!
 $4.95/Month
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SugarSync 2.0 Online Backup and Sharing
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SugarSync 2.0 takes the online backup solution to a new level. SugarSync is the only cloud backup solution that allows you to backup, sync and share files across an unlimited number of computers. That means you can access, edit and share any of your files from any PC – and whatever changes you make will automatically replicate across all your computers. You can store documents, photos, music, video files – and once you are synced, you can access them from any web browser or smart phone. You can even share photo albums and stream entire music collections directly from the Internet. See our Review of the SugarSync Online Backup Solution. SugarSync is also available for business users to take advantage of the many file sharing, backup and collaboration tools available to keep productivity at a maximum and data loss to a minimum.
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Acronis Online Backup
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Acronis Online Backup has been released featuring 250 Gigabytes of secure storage space for up to five computers. Acronis has long been a leader in data backup and recovery solutions and the addition of cloud backup capabilities, they have taken a huge step in keeping your data even more safe and secure. The online backup solution can either be integrated with Acronis True Image or used as a standalone program. See our Review of Acronis Online Backup. Save 10% with Acronis Online Backup Coupon Code: COOLAOB2010
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Mozy 2.0 Online Backup
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Mozy 2.0 is an easy to use, smart, and economical way to protect your data. All you have to do is install it on your computer, set it up, and then never worry about data loss again.
Mozy 2.0 introduces 2xProtect that allows you to back up to an external drive in addition to the secure online data centers at no additional cost to you. The new Mozy 2.0 also has speeded up the online backup process and touts a new easy to use interface.
Mozy is effortless to set up and performs backups automatically in the background.
Mozy encrypts all files on your computer before data transfer and backs up open and locked files. See our Full Review of the Mozy Online Backup Solution. Save an extra 10% off any subscription to Mozy just by entering the following Promo code: SAVEME10
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Zip Cloud
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Zip Cloud is a simple, safe and secure cloud storage system to back up you documents, photos, music and more. These days, when you backup your computer you backup your life as well. Zip Cloud makes it easy. Simply choose the files to backup and upload them to the cloud. This online backup system allows you to share and access the files anywhere from any device hooked up to the Internet. Use Zip Cloud for Tablets, PC's, Smart Phones, Laptops and Desktops. Try a Free Trial to see if Zip Cloud is right for you.
$4.95/Month |
Norton Online Backup
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Norton Online Backup stores your files online so you can retrieve them anytime, anywhere using any computer connected to the Internet. You can get your files back fast whether you are at home, in the office, or on the road. Norton works with both Windows and Mac computers lets you search backup sets for specific files by keyword, simplifies file sharing and saves older versions of your backed up files. A trusted service by a trusted name. Read more about Norton Online Backup.
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SOS Online Backup
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SOS Online Backup is one of the largest worldwide providers of online backup for consumers, small and medium businesses and IT/managed service providers. SOS Online Backup delivers simple yet powerful online backup that has become the industry’s top award winner, including Laptop Magazine’s Editor’s Choice and PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award since 2006. The SOS Online Backup solution utilizes 11 data centers across multiple continents to keep your data replicated for added security. Also has an iPhone and BlackBerry App, File sharing, Web Access to your files and a built in local backup option. Save 25% on SOS Online Backup! Read more about SOS Online Backup
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Keepit
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Keepit is an online backup solution that is simple to use, automatic and secure. Keepit automatically backs up your default folders every day and you can choose which files or folders to backup. Your files are securely encrypted before they leave your computer so nobody else will ever see what you are backing up online. You files are safe with Keepit. There are two different storage facilities to ensure redundancy so your files can never be lost or destroyed. See our review of the Keepit Online Backup Solution. Get 10% off of you Keepit purchase when you use the following Coupon Code:
Code: whatsabyte
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What are your thoughts or comments about Online Backup Security?
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