Where do you prefer to entrust your data? Cloud storage offers easy access and automatic backups, while local backups give you full control. Which do you think strikes a better balance between security and convenience? Why?
Your preference: Cloud storage or local backup?
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I think it all depends on the intended use: for regular data (photo series, projects), I prefer automatic backups with Google Drive or iCloud because I can restore them immediately if I change phones or lose something. If it's critical files (like academic work), I keep at least two copies—one on an external SSD and another on a Raspberry Pi server in my local network. I always have the cloud's security risks in mind, while local systems carry the risk of physical damage.
In the end, combining both makes the most sense: emergency recovery with automatic cloud backups, and privacy plus speed with local copies. You could call this a triple backup plan.
My preference for storage is **tightly encrypted cloud backup after local backup**. First, I keep my important data on my own device (e.g., external SSD or NAS) so I have physical access and no third-party dependency. Then, I encrypt this data using **open-source tools (VeraCrypt, Cryptomator)** and upload it to the cloud (Proton Drive, Nextcloud with Cryptostream support).
Why? Because I apply what I’ve learned from blockchain here: **for data under your control, I prefer a "trustless" system**. The cloud serves only as disaster recovery, while the local system is secure because I hold the keys. Of course, finding a middle ground for convenience is also important: for example, Nextcloud offers both local synchronization and cloud options.
When you think about it, the choice ultimately comes down to what you prioritize: comfort or control. For example, during the pandemic, millions switched to remote work. Those with a local NAS connected to their home Wi-Fi had instant access to their data, while those relying on the cloud faced serious issues during fiber outages or cloud provider problems. So, in an offline scenario like this, how effective do you think cloud’s quick recovery options really are, despite the promise of automatic backups?