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About Local Backups: Should You Use Them?

Am sure you’ve heard about local backups, but what are they really, and how do they differ from cloud backups?

A local backup involves storing data on physical devices within the same premises as the original data source. 

It is a practical and efficient way to safeguard data, offering rapid recovery and full control over storage. While it’s a standalone solution for many, combining local backups with cloud options ensures maximum data resilience.

For those seeking a solution to integrate automated backups with existing infrastructure, Truehost’s Automated Data Backup Service provides an excellent hybrid option.

See our Data Plans

How Local Backups Work

1) Data Selection

The first step in creating a local backup is identifying the data you want to protect. 

This could include:

  • Personal files like photos, videos, and documents.
  • Business-critical data such as customer records, databases, or financial documents.
  • Entire system configurations, including operating systems and applications.

Most backup tools allow you to customize what gets backed up, enabling you to prioritize critical files over less important data.

2) Backup Software or Tools

Backup software facilitates the process by automating data copying and storage. Popular tools include:

  • Built-in solutions like Windows Backup or macOS Time Machine.
  • Third-party applications like Acronis True Image, Paragon Backup, or EaseUS Todo Backup.

These tools provide options for:

  • Manual backups: You decide when to initiate the backup.
  • Scheduled backups: Automated backups run at specified intervals, ensuring data is consistently updated.

3) Storage Devices

Data is transferred to a physical device that acts as the backup medium. 

Common devices include:

  • External Hard Drives: Portable and easy to use for personal or small-scale backups.
  • NAS (Network-Attached Storage): Centralized storage that can be accessed by multiple devices over a local network.
  • Local Servers: Dedicated servers with larger capacity for enterprise-level backups.

These devices store backups in a way that ensures quick access and fast recovery.

4) Backup Frequency

You can choose how often backups occur based on your needs:

  • Real-time backups: Continuously update data as changes occur (ideal for critical environments).
  • Scheduled backups: Run daily, weekly, or monthly backups to capture regular data updates.

This flexibility ensures that backups align with your workflow and recovery goals.

5) Data Transfer Process

This is the actual process of transferring data to the backup device. It includes:

  • Full backups: Copying all data to the storage device. This is typically done during the initial setup or periodically.
  • Incremental or differential backups: Only saving changes made since the last backup, optimizing time and storage use.
  • Compression: Many tools compress data to reduce the storage size, saving space on your device.

6) Backup File Formats

Backup tools often store data in specialized formats or containers, such as:

  • Image-based backups: A snapshot of the entire system, including OS, files, and settings.
  • File-based backups: Individual files and folders, making it easy to restore specific items.
  • Encrypted backups: Protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

7) Storage Management and Security

  • Device Placement: Backup devices should be stored in secure, temperature-controlled locations to avoid damage.
  • Redundancy: Using multiple devices ensures that a single failure doesn’t result in data loss.
  • Physical Security: Devices can be locked in safes or secured in dedicated IT rooms for added protection.

8) Recovery

When data loss occurs, local backups allow you to restore your data quickly. 

Recovery can be done in several ways:

  • Full system recovery: Restore the entire system, including the OS and applications.
  • File-specific recovery: Retrieve individual files or folders as needed.
  • Instant recovery: Use tools to access data directly from the backup device without restoring it fully.

Enhance Your Backup Process

To ensure maximum data protection, consider pairing local backups with an automated solution like Truehost’s Automated Data Backup Service. 

This combines the speed of local backups with the redundancy of cloud storage, offering a seamless way to protect your data both on-site and off-site.

Backup Your Data

Data Storage Options for Local Backups

a) External hard drives

External hard drives are portable and cost-effective solutions for personal and small business backups. 

These devices can store a significant amount of data and are easy to connect to your system using USB or Thunderbolt interfaces.

Advantages:

  • Portability allows users to store backups offsite when needed.
  • Simple to use, making them ideal for individuals with basic backup needs.

Limitations:

  • Vulnerable to physical damage, theft, or misplacement.
  • Limited scalability as your data grows.

b) Network-attached storage (NAS)

NAS devices provide shared storage over a local network, making them ideal for offices or collaborative environments. 

They allow multiple users to access and store backups in one centralized location.

Advantages:

  • Efficient for teams, as it supports multiple backups simultaneously.
  • Offers advanced features like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for data redundancy.

Limitations:

  • Initial setup and configuration may require technical expertise.
  • Limited protection against localized disasters such as fires or floods.

c) Local servers

Local servers act as dedicated repositories for backups, offering high-capacity storage for enterprises and businesses with large data needs. 

These servers are typically housed on-site and maintained by IT teams.

Advantages:

  • High storage capacity and scalability.
  • Provides control over backup schedules, security, and access.

Limitations:

  • Expensive to purchase, set up, and maintain.
  • Vulnerable to on-premises risks like power failures, hardware damage, or theft.

Advantages of Local Backup

Local backups offer several key benefits:

  • Fast recovery:
    • Large files or entire systems can be restored quickly without relying on internet speeds.
    • Ideal for immediate recovery scenarios like system crashes.
  • Full control:
    • You have complete oversight of your data, storage devices, and backup schedules.
    • No third-party provider handles your sensitive information.
  • Cost-effective:
    • One-time investments in hardware reduce long-term expenses compared to recurring cloud storage fees.
  • No internet dependency:
    • Backups can function and restore data even in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.

Disadvantages of Local Backup

Despite their benefits, local backups have some drawbacks:

  • Vulnerability to physical risks:
    • Disasters like fires, floods, or theft can compromise local devices.
    • A single failure point can lead to total data loss.
  • Limited scalability:
    • Hardware constraints mean that as your data grows, you’ll need to invest in additional storage devices.
    • This can quickly become expensive for larger organizations.
  • Maintenance requirements:
    • Backups must be monitored to ensure they run successfully and are free from corruption.
    • Periodic testing and upgrades are necessary for continued functionality.

Best Practices for Local Backups

  1. Use multiple devices:
    • Employ redundant storage solutions like RAID-configured NAS or external drives to prevent data loss.
  2. Secure physical storage:
    • Protect devices using fireproof safes or secure locations to minimize damage or theft risks.
  3. Automate backups:
    Schedule regular backups to avoid missing critical updates. Use tools like Truehost’s Automated Data Backup for seamless operations.
  4. Test recovery:
    • Periodically verify that backups can be restored successfully to prevent surprises during emergencies.
  5. Combine with cloud:
    • A hybrid strategy that includes cloud backups ensures data safety in case of localized disasters.

Conclusion

Local backups are a cornerstone of data protection, offering speed, control, and affordability. 

However, their vulnerability to physical threats and limited scalability makes them most effective when combined with cloud-based solutions. 

By integrating your local backups with a service like Truehost’s Automated Data Backup, you gain the resilience of off-site storage while maintaining the speed and control of local systems. 

This hybrid approach ensures your data is always secure, accessible, and ready for recovery.

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