Data protection is an operational requirement for every organisation. For SMBs, cloud and disconnected backups address different risks and work best as complementary layers.

Which backup solution is best suited to your SME? Discover the advantages, limitations and the best way to secure your data.

What is cloud backup?

Cloud backup stores backup copies in remote datacentres accessed over the internet. A specialist provider operates the underlying infrastructure.

Advantages:

Accessibility: from any connected device

Advanced security: data encryption, redundancy, automatic updates

Scalability: capacity can grow with your needs

Less infrastructure to maintain: the provider operates the storage platform

Disadvantages:

Internet dependency: access and recovery depend on your connection

No control over physical location of data

What is offline backup?

Unlike cloud backup, disconnected (or offline) backup consists of saving your data on physical media not permanently connected to the network: unplugged external hard drive, magnetic tape, isolated digital safe, etc.

It is today highly recommended in cybersecurity to counter ransomware and other network attacks.

Advantages:

Complete isolation: data is safe from network attacks

Fast recovery when the backup medium is on site

Immutability: committed data cannot be modified during its retention period

No internet connection required for local recovery

Disadvantages:

Physical risk: loss, theft or damage

Less practical for remote work

Combine both approaches with the 3-2-1-1 rule

The 3-2-1-1 model combines local availability with an isolated recovery route:

  • Cloud backup for accessibility and business continuity
  • An offline backup to protect you from cyber threats

Which approach fits your business?

The question is no longer whether to back up, but how to combine availability and isolation. Cloud backup adds an off-site copy, while a disconnected backup keeps a recovery point outside the attacker’s reach. Used together, they provide stronger protection for an SMB.

We help you evaluate your current strategy and implement a backup solution tailored to your business:

Contact our team and request a diagnosis of your architecture to find out the most suitable solution.

Make an appointment directly for a demo of our tool and to find out more about our solutions.