What is cloud storage?

After working all weekend on your big project, you leave your laptop at home on the day of your presentation. And you won’t have time to get it before it’s time to present. This is the type of scenario where you need to ask: What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a service typically offered by a third-party company to provide digital storage separate from your device. These companies store your files, photos, and data on remote servers.

The advantages of cloud storage are:

• Files are easily accessible across your devices
• Data can be backed up across multiple servers to prevent loss
• You can choose the right storage option to suit your data needs
• Cloud providers use robust security controls to protect your files

With a reliable internet connection, you can enjoy access to the cloud and benefit from its many perks, such as conveniently uploading your project to one device and accessing it on another.

How cloud storage works

Think of cloud storage as a giant, virtual locker you can access from anywhere (as long as you have a connection and you’re signed in). Anytime you need to store a photo or document, open your locker, put your item inside, and securely shut the door. Retrieving your files is just as easy.

Behind the scenes, cloud storage involves enormous data centers that companies maintain worldwide. They’re full of servers, which are like computers for processing information. In turn, these servers store files and communicate with other devices through the internet.

So, when you store something in the cloud, you’re really saving it on remote servers you can access when you’re connected to the internet. This comes in handy in everyday situations—like when you leave your laptop at home.

Everyday use cases for cloud storage

One of the biggest benefits of cloud storage is convenience. If you use a smartphone, laptop, or tablet for your day-to-day activities, you can use cloud storage for on-the-go personal convenience.

That means you can access files from anywhere—even if they’re not currently on your device, such as when you leave your laptop at home. This gives you the freedom to upload or download photos and videos on one device and open them on another.

Many cloud storage solutions use a “drag-and-drop” approach—simply drag your selected files and drop them into a folder. Some cloud storage apps let you auto-sync your files to back up whatever data you choose at regular intervals.

Both remote workers and college students can typically use a single cloud storage account to sync files across their phone, tablet, and laptop. When you have a stable Wi-Fi connection or cellular connectivity, you can access files and collaborate on them from virtually anywhere on almost any device. This is perfect when working on projects with multiple people or when traveling for work.

What if you need to learn how to free up space on your phone or other mobile device when your storage is full? Cloud storage is perfect for that, too. Transfer a few large video files to your cloud (and delete the local copies), and you’ll have more room available.

Whatever you use the cloud for, you can keep your files safe thanks to built-in security features.

Built-in security and backups

Cloud storage provides a secure location to back up important documents and memories, including digital photo albums, tax and legal documents, and more.

Cloud storage keeps anything you upload safe thanks to:

• Encryption – Many providers encrypt the information you store, meaning it turns your data into unreadable code without a key. In many cases, the provider manages the encryption keys to unscramble the data to help keep your data private.
• Redundancy – In many cases, storage providers keep multiple copies of your files in multiple locations. That way, if an emergency knocks out one data center, your information is usually still safe.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Many cloud storage solutions offer MFA for extra security. For example, before you can access your files, you may have to input a unique code sent to your mobile device.

Thanks to these security measures, cloud storage is a dependable option for protecting your most precious memories. For maximum peace of mind and best security practices, follow the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of all important documents on two different media with one copy offsite (cloud storage).

For best performance, cloud storage works best with a reliable connection—especially for large uploads and downloads.

Connectivity makes cloud access possible

Ultimately, cloud storage provides convenience and peace of mind for your most important files. It’s easy to use, secure, and generally affordable.

And if you’re one of our customers, you can take advantage of the AT&T Personal Cloud. If you don’t know how much cloud storage you need, we make it simple since we offer several options to meet your needs.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll need a reliable connection to access the cloud successfully. With fiber internet from us, you can enjoy fast access to the cloud from home.

Pair your home internet with an unlimited data wireless plan, and you can upload and download files from almost anywhere. (AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.)

Optimize your cloud storage usage today with our unparalleled connectivity and cloud services to keep what matters most to you safe.