How safe is Microsoft OneDrive Storage?

[KatyMac]

Is it OK as a backup?

Could I store everything there? Should I?

Can it go wrong?

How about storing client information there, is that safe?

[prh47bridge]

I'm not aware of any problems with it. However, you only get 15GB for free. You may need more than that if you want to use it as backup.

The security of your data is down to how strong a password you use and what precautions you take. For example, you should change your password regularly and take care not to reveal it to anyone.

[KatyMac]

I have 1 TB - I don't know what a TB is

[prh47bridge]

1TB = 1024GB

[KatyMac]

That's quite a lot - plus I get 1Tb per computer (so DH, Work, Mine....I might have to share DD's)

[NetworkGuy]

Are you really using all of that? The hard drive might be 1 TB but you may be using 50-200 GB (5% to 20%)

Unless you are downloading a lot of videos / films / video podcasts (eg ia iTunes), or making your own (eg holiday video clips) I suspect you will be using a fraction of the drive capacity.

I've just taken a screen image from a laptop and you can see the drive is only partly used. I had to use one of the controls in the red box (upper right) to show the size of the drives - 'details' is shown on Windows XP and similar on Windows 7, don't know about Windows 8. On OSX 'Get Info' about the drive should show how full / empty the drive it.

[KatyMac]

Nothing like that much - but I need to keep archived photos of the children I care for (on my current memory stick I've used 22.5 of 29.8 since January)

So would storing it there be safer? As safe? A data protection nightmare? Will it 'fail' and make me lose them all? I have to keep them for 21 years & 8 months (apparently)

[NetworkGuy]

Rats - that tiny image isn't much good.

Please try this *> link

[NetworkGuy]

Have now seen your additional comments. I would say that an online service would be worth using, especially one which is free, but as a backup to other storage methods.

As you have long term storage requirements, and data protection issues, I will make some suggestions via private message, rather than publicise how I'd recommend you store the data securely.

Almost immediately, however, I would be suggesting you keep the 'personal' details separate, so no names would be linked directly to the photos, ie keep a file with 'reference numbers' so for each child it might be the initial of their surname and a number. Then the photos would have names tied to the reference number, plus date, and so on. Then ensure photos stored using one method, the 'reference numbers' and name/ age etc, stored elsewhere.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, there may be another section on MN which would find other people caring for children in a similar, professional capacity, who can explain their methods, so you can see the pros and cons.