Key takeaways
- Local storage offers faster response time and more control over your organization’s data but poses physical security risks, accessibility challenges, and higher costs. (Jump to Section)
- Cloud storage provides flexibility, scalability, and remote accessibility but requires comprehensive security measures to prevent third-party risks. (Jump to Section)
- Cloud storage is more cost-efficient than local storage because it needs lower upfront hardware costs and fewer maintenance requirements. (Jump to Section)
The debate between cloud storage and local storage has been a trending topic in the technology industry for years, sparking discussions among IT professionals and decision makers. Each storage solution offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, catering to different business needs. Choosing the right solution depends on your organization’s budget and requirements for accessibility, usability, scalability, and security.
This article compares cloud and local storage, examining each option’s key capabilities and cost requirements.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a method of computer data storage on multiple servers at different locations, offering remote accessibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. It reduces the burden of managing IT infrastructure, offering a competitive edge by divesting local storage IT infrastructure and licensing costs.
Cloud storage allows for easier access to business files from any device at any time, ensuring efficiency and synchronization across an employee’s devices.
IT managers need 24/7 access to business information, which can pose data security concerns. Hence, cloud storage requires robust service level agreements (SLAs) that outline response times and documented locations where redundant business information is stored to ensure business continuity is minimally impacted.
Here are the different cloud storage options available:
- Private Cloud: This type of cloud storage is usually managed by a company’s IT staff, and the business information is only available within the organization. One of the benefits of private cloud storage is enhanced security because it’s only accessible by the organization using the private cloud.
- Public Cloud: Public cloud solutions are scalable, reliable, and affordable. It’s a popular choice since it’s accessible via the Internet and can be accessed by authorized employees or customers. Organizations that choose a public cloud option do not maintain a cloud storage system.
- Hybrid Cloud: The hybrid solution combines public and private solutions where businesses get enhanced security of a private cloud with added customization features not available in a public cloud solution.
There are also cloud service models that determine how much a business is involved in the maintenance efforts of supporting the hardware or software while using a cloud solution. The models are Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
What is local storage?
Local storage saves data on servers, typically at the business’s on-premises location, whereas cloud storage saves data on multiple servers at different locations. Local storage response time will be quicker than that of cloud storage. Locally stored data may only be accessible from the office, while cloud storage can be accessed anywhere.
Cloud storage vs. local storage
Organizations must choose between cloud or local storage because each option presents risks and benefits. Cloud storage offers convenience and flexibility but has potential third-party risks, while local storage provides control but requires strong physical security and recovery capabilities. We’ve examined the pros and cons of each storage solution and their vulnerabilities to help you assess which one fits your organization’s requirements:
Pros & cons of cloud storage
Pros
- Accessibility to business information from the cloud at any time.
- Automatically increase cloud storage space through scalability.
- Easy collaboration and remote work capabilities.
Cons
- Loss of control over data (certain file types may be restricted).
- Security vulnerabilities due to Internet accessibility.
- Reliance on a stable internet connection.
Cloud storage vulnerabilities
Cloud storage is vulnerable to misconfigurations. Misconfigurations can lead to data breaches by not establishing proper access management. Security group misconfigurations can lead an employee or a hacker to gain direct access to sensitive information that can lead to a significant data breach.
Companies can easily fall out of compliance by not having proper access control and restrictions to comply with compliance standards such as the Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Since Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) open a channel for communication, they can be a vulnerability. In addition, APIs that lack proper authentication and authorization measures are easily exploitable. Overall, any weak access management that lacks role-based access control or a policy for disabling or deleting inactive or former employee accounts poses a high vulnerability risk.
Pros & cons of local storage
Pros
- Offers the organization complete control over its data.
- Reduced latency even with larger files.
- Ideal for environments with unreliable internet access.
Cons
- Limited remote access capabilities.
- Additional costs associated with hardware, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Lack of automatic backups and prone to data loss.
Local storage vulnerabilities
While a local storage solution offers faster response time and greater data control, it’s also susceptible to security vulnerabilities.
One disadvantage of local storage is the absence of server-side control, which prevents developers from remotely updating a code or information once stored. To update information, users must manually locate and delete files or clear their entire browser cache, which could result in permanent data loss.
Additionally, if local storage servers aren’t properly secured, they are vulnerable to physical theft, damage, or unauthorized access, leading to data breaches.
Also, remember: Any vulnerability exploited in cloud storage can also attack local storage. So, whether a business uses a cloud or local storage, it needs a disaster recovery plan, backups, a least-privilege access plan, and the latest malware security tools to identify abnormal file behavior and traffic detection.
Choosing between cloud and local storage
The choice between cloud and local storage depends on your specific business needs. If you prioritize flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency, cloud storage is ideal for you. Meanwhile, if you need faster response time and greater data control, consider local storage.
Comparing the cost categories in the table below shows that a cloud solution will cost less in each category than a local storage solution. The only unknown variable is how much space local storage solutions need to support the business data requirements. Here’s a comparison between cloud storage and local storage against cost categories:
| Cost Category | Cloud Storage | Local Storage | Category Winner |
| Initial Cost | Low start-up cost | High start-up cost | Cloud |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance cost | High maintenance fees | Cloud |
| Storage | Terabyte storage costs part of the monthly fee | It depends on the space needed; Less than 1TB favors Local storage | It depends on local storage space requirements |
| Scaling Capabilities | Easy scale up or down | Limited and can be costly | Cloud |
| Security | Security included | Requires IT staff | Cloud |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best cloud storage for personal use?
The best cloud storage for personal needs differs based on individual needs, budget, and security requirements. Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive are great starting points if you need a cloud storage solution for personal use. Google Drive is ideal for users needing a free plan and access to Google’s suite of productivity tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Meanwhile, Microsoft OneDrive integrates tightly with the Microsoft ecosystem and offers advanced file-sharing options.
What is the main disadvantage of cloud storage?
The main disadvantages of cloud storage are security and privacy risks. Storing potentially sensitive information on third-party servers accessible from the internet poses risks of data breaches, unauthorized access, or privacy issues.
What is the difference between cloud and local storage?
Local storage saves data on servers, typically at the business’s on-premises location. Cloud storage saves data on multiple servers at different locations.
How are cloud storage vulnerabilities mitigated?
The first step in mitigating a vulnerability is to identify the flaw. Businesses can use a cloud vulnerability scanning tool to identify common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). After the CVEs are identified, a risk assessment using a vulnerability checklist is completed.
After the evaluation, IT staff can patch the highest risk of vulnerabilities. Another option is to mitigate the vulnerability by reducing the severity of the threat or risk. If a vulnerability poses no threat, no action is taken.
After the remediation actions are completed, a vulnerability scan generates a vulnerability assessment report.
What should IT managers consider before implementing a cloud storage solution?
Data storage locations and technical support are the final two considerations when debating cloud storage vs. local storage. Decision makers must know where their business data is stored. When considering locations, you want to avoid data center locations that may be annually exposed to natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes. The SLA should clearly explain the response times of the technical support staff, which should include weekends and holiday response times.
Decision makers now have a guideline that provides enough information to ask the right questions and help them make the best decisions for their companies.
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