Summary: Cyberattacks are increasing, making it crucial to understand the different types of data storage and their security levels. This blog covers the three primary types of storage: local, cloud, and big data, and explains the strengths, weaknesses, and security aspects of each.
- Local storage offers control but is vulnerable to physical risks.
- Cloud storage is accessible and secure but depends on provider reliability.
- Big data storage handles large datasets with advanced security but requires sophisticated management.
The incidence of cyberattacks has more than doubled since the year 2020, costing businesses billions of dollars in penalties.
Do you know if your most sensitive business information, including source code, IP, and trade secrets, is secure?
Security levels vary across the different types of data storage solutions. It’s crucial to understand the benefits and pitfalls of each data storage solution. That’s especially true if your data is mission-critical. If you choose wisely, you can maintain business continuity, avoid direct losses, and instill confidence in your customers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the three types of data storage commonly utilized in business. Understanding the security level of each is essential for effectively managing your sensitive business data. Continue reading to secure your data assets and ensure your business is threat-proof.
The Basic Types of Data Storage: Physical & Digital
Data storage is any process used to preserve information using technology. The goal is to keep the information secure so it can be accessed and utilized by those with the proper clearance. Likewise, proper data storage should limit access to outside parties and keep the information safe from threats.
According to IBM, data storage can be either physical or digital. Physical storage means data is located on a physical device, such as on a hard drive.
Even a USB “thumb drive” is considered a form of physical storage. Users must have access to the physical device to access the data unless it is also stored elsewhere. These solutions are most appropriate for small amounts of data.
In contrast, digital storage means your data is stored on a remote server or in the cloud. The physical storage location is typically not accessible to the user. However, the data is accessible from any location with an internet connection. These solutions are most appropriate for large amounts of data.
Most data security experts recommend storing your data both physically and digitally. We’ll break down the three most common types of data storage below.
What are the 3 Types of Data Storage?
The three most common types of data storage are local storage, cloud storage, and big data storage. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses, and their security levels vary.
Local Storage
Local data storage is another way to describe physical data storage. It describes the storage of data on a physical device. You can locally store data on a hard drive, server, or personal computer. You do not need access to the internet to access the data in local storage.
If you manage your physical data properly using tools like firewalls and encryption, it can be fairly secure. However, locally stored data can be easily lost, stolen, or even accidentally destroyed in a natural disaster.
Locally stored data can also fall victim to a lack of off-site backup. Most professionals advise businesses to store crucial data in at least one off-site, digitally accessible location.
Cloud Storage
“The cloud” is a nebulous-sounding term. While it sounds intangible, it’s actually just a network of remote servers. They all work together as a single, complex system.
Each network of servers is managed by a service provider such as Google or Microsoft Azure. The physical data centers where data is stored are located all around the world. This dispersal is excellent for disaster planning. The larger the cloud storage provider, the more physical data centers they will likely operate.
There are three types of cloud data storage:
- Public cloud storage, which includes data accessible to multiple users
- Private cloud storage, which is shared within an organization
- Hybrid cloud storage, which includes a combination of public and private solutions
The security of your cloud storage solution depends a great deal on the provider. If you’re storing legally protected data, the cloud solution you choose must comply with associated privacy laws. For example, you may need to seek out a HIPAA or GDPR compliant solution.
Cloud facilities, like any data storage facility, may be vulnerable to external cyberattacks and data breaches. However, cloud storage providers typically offer high-level security and backup services, and most data can be recovered. This is key for ongoing financial stability.
With that said, your organization must also do its due diligence to ensure protection. Organizations and providers share the burden of security and protection.
Big Data Storage
Some industries must handle massive datasets as part of their mission-critical operations. They require big data storage solutions, such as data lakes or warehouses. These storage solutions prioritize speed, volume, and data complexity. They’re critical for those in tech, finance, healthcare, and other data-centric fields.
The benefit of data lakes is that they ignore size limits. Lakes process large amounts of raw, unstructured data in its original format. In contrast, data warehouses require data to be cleaned and standardized prior to storage. A lake is ideal for initial data collection, while warehouse data contributes to analytics, reporting, and business intelligence.
With either solution, you can expect advanced encryption, access controls, and monitoring tools. The security solutions are specifically designed for large-scale data storage. The amount of data involved demands sophisticated management.
Like cloud storage, big data is stored in physical data centers around the world. According to CSIS, many of these facilities are located in the United States. Silicon Valley serves as a notable data storage hub.
Thus, physical security is also a factor. Prioritize facilities with visible, on-site security personnel in geographically optimal locations.
Secure Data Storage is Key to Business Continuity
As a business owner, your mission-critical data is the beating heart of your operation. Thus, secure data storage is crucial for business continuity and crisis mitigation. Assess your data storage needs and prioritize the most secure and appropriate solutions. Using multiple types of data storage, including physical and digital storage, is key to achieving peace of mind.
At EscrowTech, we utilize geographically optimal, two-site storage locations for all our deposit materials. Housed inside a granite mountain, it’s natural disaster-proof, with 24-hour armed protection. Fireproof, with an independent power source and 24-7 surveillance, you won’t find a more secure data storage facility.
Learn more about storing your mission-critical data, IP, trade secrets, and other assets with EscrowTech.