When it comes to data storage and backup, there are many options available - from computer-based storage to in-house server infrastructure.
If you're one of those whose attention was caught by a personal cloud, you probably felt like that powerful little device was finally giving you a personal place to store your data in total privacy. Certainly, this equates to a unique feeling - you finally feel that your data is truly yours.
However, this has probably also raised some concerns and hurdles about seemingly hidden costs. We're talking about:
- Hardware malfunction & power shortage (50% of hard drives fail every five years and with them, all your data...).
- Concentration switching (+8,100$ annual loss per employee).
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities (every 39 seconds, a cyber attack happens).
The goal of this article is to break down the key evaluation points when it comes to choosing a personal cloud to store your data and why Cubbit can be your secure personal cloud storage alternative.
#1. Setting up personal cloud is cumbersome
Personal cloud is amazing - a private place where you can finally store all your data.
Yet, there's a hidden cost here.
Do you want to access your data from anywhere? Then you need to set up your personal cloud storage securely, and unfortunately, it's not a piece of cake.
In fact, there are two ways to make it reachable from anywhere:
- Using some kind of function provided by the constructor, but passing through its servers.
- Using a secure, VPN-like network that connects you directly to your NAS. This solution requires a public IP and a port-map on the local network.
Are you able to achieve this goal? First of all, most people are not aware of this problem. But even if you are aware, there is a risk of doing it unsecurely (with files moving through the insecure personal cloud storage server) or setting up the VPN wrong - resulting in poor connection performance.
Related reading: Setting up personal cloud is cumbersome: a web developer’s experience
Unlikely, Cubbit is your plug-and-cloud secure personal cloud storage alternative. Connect your Cubbit Cell to your router and get up to 4TB of cloud storage while protected by state-of-the-art encryption, on the go.
All you have to do to use Cubbit is sign up and you're good to go. It's that easy.
#2. Mental costs are outsourced
In the introduction, we mentioned the 'costs' of switching focus.
In fact, when you opt for a physical asset like a WD MyCloud, not only do you have to pay for it with money upfront, but other types of cost are required as well.
Whether you're trying to re-download your photo or update an IT project, an unexpected event (such as a power outage) can stop the flow.
“Mentally restarting from an interruption takes 84 minutes + 50 minutes in stress and fatigue - on top of the hardware malfunctioning issue” - Washington Post.
In fact, in order to work and be productive, our brains need to enter a psychological state of concentration that takes 15-20 minutes to achieve and can be interrupted in a second. Definitely a slow down...
Cubbit outsources these thoughts: you pay once and you have all of the Swarm (and our customer service!) on your side.
#3. You simply can’t lose your files
Unlike NAS, the cheaper personal clouds don't allow for any RAID (i.e., automatic multiplication of data between a NAS's internal drives): this means that if something happens to your device, it either breaks, is offline, or is stolen, you simply lose your data.
Add to that the fact that 50% of hard drives fail every five years.
The problem with switching to a NAS then will be the cost ($500-$1000) in addition to the storage expansions and the same limitations as a personal cloud (i.e. when a NAS malfunctions, all of your expensive investment is wasted and you have to buy a new one).
Related reading: free eBook NAS vs Cloud storage
With Cubbit you pay once, you get a 4-year warranty and you can always access your files on all devices - even if your Cubbit Cell goes offline for any reason.
#4. Anywhere, anytime, and in total privacy with Cubbit: your secure personal cloud storage alternative.
You can make your personal cloud accessible from anywhere, but it’s not so intuitive when it comes to using it and will never be completely secure and private.
We created Cubbit to make your experience smooth and personal.
Seamlessly back up, sync, and share your files while protected by a combination of end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge technology. Share links, public or private, with one click.
Related reading: Cubbit private links: the best way to send files securely
You can also upload, download and share your files from your mobile browser - even if your Cell goes offline for any reason. Mobile apps coming soon for your secure personal cloud storage alternative :)
#5. Welcome to the only place where not even us can access your files
In the previous section, we mentioned the security levels that Cubbit guarantees.
However, that's not all.
Cubbit takes the additional step of distributing encrypted pieces of data as well.
Files on Cubbit are:
- Encrypted with a military-grade protocol.
- Split into chunks.
- Spread across the zero-knowledge network.
Not even us can access your data.
Don’t believe it? Try Cubbit for free for 30 days — no credit card required!
