Is Online Backup Safe?

If you are considering using an online backup service, then you might be concerned about the security of your data. This is a legitimate concern because you will likely be putting all of your important documents, photos and other files on a server somewhere on the internet. I cannot answer specifically for all online backup service providers, but for the most part, they are safe. Here are some things to check when considering online backup:

1. Where will your data be stored? You want to make sure that your data is stored in a professionally managed datacenter with physical security and controlled access to the facilities.
   
   
2. Will your data be encrypted and password protected? Just because a site uses SSL doesn't make your data safe. SSL only protects your data while it is in transit. You want your data to be stored in encrypted form on the server. If your data is encrypted on the server, then even if a hacker breaks into to the server, your data will not be readable to them.
   
   
3. Who can access your data? Most of the online backup service providers will have controls in place that keep the public and hackers from accessing your data. However, you don't want technicians, data center employees, administrators, network engineers and others to have access either. It is common practice for online backup service providers to have policies in place that prevent unauthorized access. Some online backup services, including www.rhinoback.com, www.offsitebackupsolutions.com, www.businessdatavault.com, and www.securesitebackups.com encrypt the data at your pc with an encryption key that only you know before it is transmitted and stored at the service provider. This provides the best possible security, because employees can't even access your data.
   
   

In general you should feel safe storing your data with online backup services. Chances are that your data is safer at their secure data centers than in your home or office. If you do decide to use an online backup service, you should take extra care to select strong passwords and encryption keys. No matter how well managed and secure the service provider is, if your password is the same as your name, then your data may be at risk.