Cloud storage or backing up to the cloud is a way of storing data with a trusted provider that you access through an online connection. Cloud storage providers store this data, like your sensitive documents, work materials or photos on their servers that they manage and secure. The storage provider is responsible for keeping the servers safe and running so that you can access your backed-up data whenever you need.

Different cloud storage providers will each have different ways to walk you through creating a manual backup or setting up an automatic backup schedule.^‡‡ Once you log into your cloud storage provider's site, they will typically provide you with a walk-through of how to select which files to back up, schedule automatic backups, and how often. With Norton Cloud Backup^‡‡, you can select which files in which locations on your computer to back up, log into your cloud storage account, and back up as often as needed. Norton Cloud Backup also enables you to schedule automatic backups on a schedule that you set. Once you start creating backup files, those backups are stored safely in the cloud and accessible whenever you log into your cloud storage account.

When you're selecting the right online cloud backup storage solution for your needs, you'll want to consider a few things. First, is the provider a trusted security partner? Since you’ll be storing valuable and personal files, you’ll want to be confident that the storage provider will help keep your data safe and secure. Second, how much storage do you need? Think about what you need to back up. Is it everything on your computer, or important work, financial or school documents? Third, will you need a feature for regularly-scheduled automatic backups?^‡‡ Finally, how easy to use are the solutions you are considering? You can take a look at third-party reviews, product tours (images or videos) and instructions from the provider to see how easy it is to access your cloud storage, especially in the event of complete loss of your computer.

Ransomware is when a cybercriminal can get into your computer and lock up all the data inside. To release it, they will often ask for money, and often money paid by cryptocurrency. But sometimes, even when you pay the money they will hold it and ask for more.

Backing up your computer's most important information gives you peace of mind that you'll have a backup of files to restore, just in case you need it. If a cybercriminal encrypts or "locks up" the contents of your computer so that you can no longer access them, then you would lose them if not for a back up copy. Especially for your most important files that you don't want to lose, backing up gives you a way to protect your files in case of loss due to ransomware.

This all depends on you and the information that you need to backup. Go through your important files and see how much data they take up. Then you will have an idea of what you will need in terms of storage space. Remember that your need is going to grow, so it’s best to have more than you need to start.

For many, this is a matter of preference. For years we’ve relied on external hard drives to store the data we deem as important. The only problem is that these drives can be lost, stolen, or fail just like a regular computer. Hard drives only last so long. Online backup gives you a way to access your files and data from any device.

This will depend on the amount of data that you need to back up and the connection rate that you have with your internet. Many people set up their backups to take place at night while they sleep. Norton Cloud Backup‡‡ enables you to schedule automatic backups at the times you prefer.

Should you find that you have a file that you no longer want to keep, simply remove it from your storage and it will be gone. Keep in mind, once it is deleted from storage, you run the risk of losing that file permanently. Norton Cloud Backup‡‡ enables you to make different sets of copied files and save different versions of the same file, and you can manage those all in the Norton portal, including deleting the copies that you no longer need.