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Is the cloud actually safe for security footage?

MasterDragon

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Joined
Oct 22, 2025
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8
Curious how everyone’s handling their camera storage setup these days. I’ve been using cloud storage for my outdoor cams mostly for convenience, but lately I’ve been thinking about switching to local like partly for privacy, partly because internet outages here in Colorado can mess up uploads during storms. How do you all manage it? Do you trust cloud services enough to keep everything online, or do you prefer local NAS setups or SD cards for peace of mind? I’m looking for a setup that doesn’t break the bank but still keeps the footage safe if something happens.
 
Yeah, cloud’s super convenient, but I wouldn’t trust it as the only backup. Most of the big services encrypt your data well, but they’re still vulnerable if your account ever gets compromised. I like running local storage on an SD or small NAS and keeping the cloud as a backup like best of both worlds without spending a ton.
 
Cloud storage has come a long way, but local still wins for reliability during bad weather. Maybe a small NAS with motion-triggered uploads could work for you.
 
There’s a fairly old adage about backup. You need the original, a copy nearby, and third off-site.

That third can be cloud-based or it can be a hard drive that gets updated from time to time and stored in another location.
 
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