We’ve all been there. You pour your blood, sweat, and tears into a project or presentation, only to have it disappear when the computer crashes.
So, you learn the hard way and use flash keys to back up your data for the next big document you create. And then you forget the portable drive, or someone spills coffee on it.
What’s a person to do to get their work saved in a way that can’t get lost?
That’s the thing about flash keys (also called flash drives). They’re a fantastic innovation in data storage technology and are leagues beyond the old floppy disks of yonder years. However, they’re really only designed for transferring data, not storing it.
The Benefits of Using a Flash Key
The major attraction of a flash drive is its ability to hold substantial amounts of data—a tiny device stores 8 GB of data or more.
Let’s use photo storage as an example of why people would want to use flash keys for the long term. An average picture takes up about 8 MB, so a typical device could house 1,000 photos.
Instead of printing them out and keeping them in bulky photo albums that can get destroyed, families can pull out the “memory stick” and reminisce.
The problem with this method of saving essential and valuable data is that flash keys aren’t fail-proof. If you don’t use them frequently, they can “go bad” or eventually become incompatible with the newest operating systems.
Storing sensitive data on a flash key isn’t always wise, either. If the drive ever gets lost, your info could fall into the wrong hands.
If you’re planning on using your USB drive to store any sensitive personal or company data, be sure to invest in one that has encryption software and other modern security features. The only issue with this is that if you’re using your drive to backup your data, and you forget your password, now you need backups of your backup.
Alternatives to Flash Keys
At one time, a flash drive was the most reliable way to back up your data. As with most types of technology, though, it’s pretty obsolete today.
Between the concerns of losing or damaging the stick, security issues, and long-term functionality loss, it can be more of a headache than a help.
Instead, most people who use technology store their information on cloud-based servers. That way, they can access what they need from any computer, as long as they have the necessary credentials.
Anyone concerned about backing up sensitive data can keep their info protected by working with businesses with state-of-the-art cybersecurity like Essential IT.
Cloud technology continues to develop with better functionality and innovative design, leaving flash keys almost in the realm of floppy discs.
Sure, they’re great if you need to keep a document on hand and you won’t have internet. But for long-term back up and storage, these flash keys are as efficient as a dial-up modem.
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