p.1 #1 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
Like many others on here, I was with CrashPlan many moons ago, but had to switch when they changed up their service offerings. I've been cloud-less ever since. However, I am thinking to take the plunge now.
My current setup is an older Synology NAS (DS412+) with RAID 5. A little under 10TB of data. Also, for my photography-related files, I have a second back up on external hard drives. All are stored in my basement apartment. My working files are on the PC. Once I am done editing, I delete the PC files and navigate the missing LR folder to the NAS location.
Initially, I was sold on Backblaze Personal but looks like I can't use it to back up my NAS, only external drives. Seems like I would need B2 for the NAS backup. For 10TB, that would be $60/month or $720/year, which is crazy expensive. It looks like iDrive is the WAY better economical option at $105/year. So might opt for that.
Anything I should keep in mind before going with iDrive Personal with the 10TB option? I'm not really an expert with this sort of stuff. With CrashPlan, it was pretty much set it and forget it as far as selecting which folders to back up, and letting it auto backup in the background. Looking for a similar automatic setup if possible.
p.1 #2 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
I do use iDrive 10 TB plan. It works fine. I have had a few issues keeping everything synced. IMO iDrive doesn't do a good job of recognizing when something was removed from my NAS and to accept that as fact and clean up its backup accordingly
p.1 #3 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
I use iDrive for my personal setup and ran Backblaze for a work setup. Backblaze is neat. Quick, seamless, and easy to run. But for the price delta, iDrive is a no-brainer for my personal setup. Setup is pretty easy, and it works well, though as noted it takes a bit to update deletes, which I don't have an issue with as I prefer that my BU have too many files rather than too few.
Overall, I'm happy with iDrive. In the field I copy from my card to the PC, and if I have internet, just leave the computer on overnight to BU. This way I have three copies (card, computer, iDrive) pretty quickly, and without much effort. At home, it's even easier. Edit, save, and let Windows run a local BU and iDrive the cloud BU.
p.1 #4 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
I had been using Backblaze B2 and Wasabi, and I have 10 TB as well...but both were a little cost prohibitive. I have a QNAP NAS and was using HBS (the QNAP backup software) with them. I switched over to iDrive which does have an application that can run on my QNAP NAS, and stopped using HBS (still use it for local and remote backup to my dad's house). Much more cost effective and I really haven't run into any issues.....but I haven't really had to use it. Which isn't a bad thing.
p.1 #5 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
I have iDrive 10TB, so far so good. I had Backblaze personal before that. It said it copied over files which it didn't. So I trust it less. B2 from what I have heard is much better.
p.1 #6 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
Does iDrive have a trial period?, maybe do that first. I ran iDrive a few years ago and dropped it because of performance problems in my use case. I have not used it recently so maybe there have been improvements. I had to fiddle with it or shut it down at times. The service itself was fine.
p.1 #8 · Cloud Backup --- iDrive Personal vs Backblaze B2?
Why Most Private Backups Fail in Critical Situations
Many private users rely on simple backup methods like external hard drives or cloud storage. However, these solutions often fail when needed most—especially in cases of ransomware attacks, accidental deletions, hardware failures, or cloud service shutdowns.
A common mistake is keeping backups constantly connected or having only one backup version. Ransomware can encrypt files silently for weeks or months, meaning newer backups might already be infected. Without older versions, recovery is impossible.
A secure backup strategy should follow these key principles:
✅ Multiple independent backups in different locations
✅ Offline storage (physically disconnected)
✅ Historical versions (to restore data from months or years ago)
✅ Diverse storage types (not just SSDs or cloud solutions)
✅ Regular device maintenance to prevent failures
1. SSDs Are NOT Suitable for Long-Term Backups
Solid-state drives (SSDs) and SD cards lose stored data over time when left without power. Depending on memory type and temperature, this can happen within 1–3 years, or even a few months in extreme heat (e.g., inside a car in summer).
💡 SSDs are only suitable for short-term backups (daily or weekly). Never expect SSDs to safely store data for years!
2. Use HDDs or Magnetic Tapes for Long-Term Storage
For long-term backups, hard disk drives (HDDs) and magnetic tapes are the best options. They provide reliable data retention over decades, unlike SSDs.
Recommended approach:
At least three copies of critical data
Stored in different locations (home, office, cloud)
Cloud storage only as a secondary option, as accounts can be hacked or services shut down
🔹 Optimal backup workflow:
Daily/weekly backups → SSDs or fast HDDs for quick access
Monthly/yearly backups → Archived on HDDs or magnetic tapes for long-term protection
3. Protection Against Ransomware: Offline and Historical Backups
Ransomware can encrypt files silently over weeks or months. If backups are constantly updated, they may also be affected.
✅ Solution:
Keep multiple historical versions (to restore older, clean files)
Do not leave backup drives connected permanently
At least one copy should be stored completely offline
📌 Example:
A 6-month-old backup should not be used again for at least a year. Annual backups should remain untouched for many years.
4. External USB Hard Drives: A Practical Choice for Private Users
For home users, external USB hard drives are a simple and effective solution:
✅ Offline & secure (no constant connection, ransomware protection)
✅ Easily stored in different locations
✅ Maintains a long-term history of files
❗ Beware of encrypted backups: If you forget the password or if the encryption becomes corrupted, the data is permanently lost.
5. Hard Drives Must Be Activated Every 1–2 Years
HDDs should be powered on every 1–2 years to avoid mechanical failures. Drives left unused for over 10 years have a 70% failure rate due to mechanical issues (e.g., stuck bearings).
✅ Best practice:
Periodically power on and test stored drives
Store multiple copies on different drives
Rotate backups to ensure a historical archive
6. The Generation Backup System (Grandfather-Father-Son Principle)
A proven method for long-term security is the Generation Backup System:
Son Backup → Short-term (daily/weekly), stored on SSDs or fast HDDs
Father Backup → Mid-term (monthly), stored on separate HDDs
Grandfather Backup → Long-term (yearly), stored on offline HDDs or magnetic tapes
📌 Benefit: Protects against ransomware, accidental deletions, and hardware failures over extended periods.
Conclusion: A Secure Backup Strategy Requires Planning
Simply copying files to an external hard drive or cloud service is not enough. To ensure true data security, a multi-layered backup system is necessary
