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Pros and Cons of External Hard Drives
In the current technological landscape, millions are looking for more reliable and convenient data storage solutions. More importantly, those solutions need to be able to hold a wide array of digital files.
One of the best solutions is to have at least one external hard drive in your repertoire. If you still aren’t sure whether you need one of these bad boys, consider the perks (and some of the downsides) of owning one.
Pro: Safe Data
Data safety is crucial. When buying an external hard drive from a top vendor like RS, you can have greater peace of mind when it comes to your data. Whether it be backing up your data or simply accessing it safely from anywhere, an external hard drive provides the perfect solution.
When you use an external hard drive, you can keep that sensitive and confidential data safe from potential keyloggers, malware, and spyware. While it isn’t impervious, keeping your drive offline more often than not will help keep it far safer. You can keep your data safe and in your physical possession, out of the reach of others.
Con: They Can Fail
While external hard drives are largely quite reliable, they are far from perfect. Any piece of technology has its failings, and it is certainly possible for an external hard drive to fail for any number of reasons. Don’t depend exclusively on an external hard drive because it can fail like any other thing.
Hard drives can become corrupted. They can overheat, malfunction, or suffer from water or fire damage. As long as you keep backups on the cloud somewhere, you will be able to access your files from anywhere even in the event of catastrophe.
Pro: Access Data Offline
We have become so used to being connected that it almost seems foreign to not be. Unfortunately, when there is no connection available, we are somewhat limited as to what we can access. Thankfully, having an external hard drive means accessing your files no matter what.
If you have sensitive data, you can also lessen the risk by keeping it in “cold” storage. When no one can gain outside access to the drive, it is far less susceptible to compromise. You can access your data, but you don’t have to worry about anyone else having the same luxury. Wi-Fi connections can wane, but your access doesn’t have to.
Con: Hard Drives Can Be Stolen
While there is an enhanced level of security involved with using an external hard drive, it isn’t perfect. External hard drives of today are a lot smaller than they were even five or ten years ago. That increases portability but it also increases the potential of the drive being stolen.
Keeping the drive in a safe place is important. If you use sensitive files of any sort, it is best to keep a backup as well. Typically, storing your drive in a carrying case should be fine but don’t get careless or your drive could get swiped.
Pro: Protects Sensitive Data
Though it has been covered a bit above, sensitive data is important to keep protected. There are even some regulations and laws in place requiring it, depending on what it is you do. For that reason, an external hard drive is ideal for storing and accessing that data.
Without needing a connection of any sort, you can ensure that there is no outside access to those files. By taking proper precautions and using the right drive, you can ensure that your data remains safe and sound, only accessible to you and your devices.
