Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCloud storage can let staff reach and share business files through an online service instead of relying only on a server or device at the office. It can also shift some infrastructure upkeep to a provider. For small and medium businesses still running their own mail or file servers, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends considering secure cloud alternatives because local systems require ongoing patching, monitoring, and incident-response capability. Cloud storage is not automatically safer, cheaper, or more reliable; the right choice depends on how your business works and how you manage security and recovery.
What cloud storage changes for a business
With cloud file storage, files are held and served through an online provider rather than only on a particular office server or device. That can make access and sharing more practical for staff working across locations, provided the service fits their collaboration and access needs. NIST describes public cloud computing as moving data and services outside the organization, so adopting it changes where information is held and who operates parts of the infrastructure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For a business that maintains its own file server, moving to a provider-operated service can reduce the amount of infrastructure the business itself must maintain. It does not eliminate the need to manage accounts, permissions, data protection, or recovery. The benefit is a shift in operational responsibilities, not a guarantee of lower total cost or uninterrupted access.
Why small businesses may move file services off-site
Running local mail and file systems takes continuing time and technical skill: systems need patches, monitoring, and a plan for responding to incidents. CISA’s May 2, 2023 guidance urges small and medium businesses using on-premises mail or file storage to consider secure cloud versions of those services; it names Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 as examples. That is guidance for businesses facing those maintenance demands, not a blanket endorsement of a particular provider or plan.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
In the same May 2, 2023 article, CISA said small businesses were three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies, and reported $2.4 billion in cybercrime costs to small businesses in 2021. Those figures are historical statements in that article, not current-year measurements. They help explain why security capacity matters, but do not show that moving files to the cloud alone prevents attacks.
Cloud storage does not remove your security responsibilities
Moving data outside the organization means the business must understand both its own duties and the provider’s. CISA advises reviewing the shared-responsibility model and the provider’s data-handling practices and service terms. A provider may operate parts of the underlying service, while the business still needs to control who can access files and how accounts are protected.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Protect accounts: Require multifactor authentication (MFA) where available, especially for accounts with administrative or broad file access.
- Control access: Match permissions to people’s roles and review access when staff responsibilities change.
- Understand data handling: Check the provider’s terms and documentation for how business data is handled and what security responsibilities remain with you.
- Plan for service disruption: Consider what staff will do if the service is unavailable or an account is compromised.
How to choose a service that fits
Compare services against the way your team works and the risks your business needs to manage. CISA’s guidance supports evaluating security controls and service terms, but it does not establish current provider-by-provider prices, storage quotas, uptime figures, or regional availability. Verify those details for the specific plan and location before committing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Access and collaboration: Can staff reach the files they need and work together in the ways your business requires?
- Identity protections: What account controls are available, including MFA, and how will your organization enforce them?
- Data and security responsibilities: What does the provider handle, what remains your responsibility, and how are your files handled under the service terms?
- Recovery capabilities: What backup, version-history, and recovery options are available, and do they meet your recovery needs?
- Availability and outages: What commitments and remedies do the service terms provide if the service is interrupted?
- Business fit: Confirm storage limits, data-location options, contract terms, and any requirements specific to your organization.
Keep a backup plan separate from ordinary file access
Cloud access is not the same as a recovery plan. A backup should help you recover files if they are deleted, corrupted, encrypted by ransomware, or otherwise unavailable through the normal service. NIST recommends backing up through a cloud provider or removable hard drive and keeping a backup away from the office. CISA advises frequent offline or cloud-to-cloud backups.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
A removable external drive can provide a local backup copy, but it must be handled carefully. CISA advises disconnecting it when it is not actively backing up so ransomware on a connected system has less opportunity to reach the backup. A cloud-to-cloud backup is another category to consider; in either case, the business should understand how often backups run and how files can be restored.
NIST’s 2016 small-business guidance puts the off-site principle plainly: “We recommend backing up data through a cloud-service provider or a removable hard drive and keeping the backup away from your office, so if there is a fire, your data will be safe.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Plug-and-play expandability
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
