Efficient data backup and synchronization - Why a two-way sync is not a good idea

A common data backup question is: How can you back up files from multiple machines to a central NAS and ensure that all systems are up to date? A customer recently asked us a similar question:

"I have one main computer that I want to back up files from to a NAS drive. I also have a second computer that I want to use to access the NAS backup to edit and save files. This edited file should also be updated on my main computer."

Two-way synchronization and data backup: two different things you should know the difference between.

Our answer as IT security experts: It is generally not recommended to access an archive with backed-up data and make changes there directly. Reverse synchronization (two-way sync) would be necessary, which would defeat the purpose of data backup.

Why a passive archive is important

The essential point of data backup is that it remains a passive archive. It should not be accessed to change files, as this jeopardizes the purpose of the backup. With reverse synchronization, the backup would become more of an "active" storage, which is quite problematic from a data security perspective. Data loss would be inevitable!

The ideal solution

The better solution in such cases is to use cloud storage such as OneDrive for Business. This allows teams to access and edit files together without jeopardizing the data backup. The cloud storage is then still backed up to the NAS to ensure that the data is protected at all times.

Cloud storage does not replace real data backup - it merely complements it by providing a way to collaborate and synchronize. The actual backup is still made to a NAS or an external backup archive.

Conclusion

To keep your data truly secure while enabling collaboration, it is essential to draw clear boundaries between storage and backup. Use cloud storage for data exchange and keep your backup on a separate archive - this way you retain control over your files and can access current, unchanged versions at any time in an emergency.