What is a backup storage device?

<p>A backup storage device is a hardware component that stores duplicate copies of data. This type of auxiliary storage hardware is typically used to back up data that resides in <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/primary-storage”>primary storage</a>. If information in primary storage becomes unavailable because of a drive failure, accidental deletion or <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/malware”>malware</a> attack, it can usually be recovered quite quickly from the <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/tip/Why-data-backup-is-important”>backup</a> copy.</p>
<p>In the enterprise, backup data devices are often used to <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/definition/What-is-an-air-gap-backup-Strategy-benefits-and-use-cases”>air gap</a> duplicate data that needs to meet strict compliance requirements for security and availability. Popular data backup device options include high-capacity network-attached storage (<a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/network-attached-storage”>NAS</a>) systems, storage area networks (<a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/storage-area-network-SAN”>SANs</a>), magnetic tape libraries and dedicated <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/definition/purpose-built-backup-appliance-PBBA”>backup appliances</a>.</p>
<p>In small and midsize businesses, external secondary storage devices are often used to back up entire desktops and help ensure <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdisasterrecovery/definition/business-continuity”>business continuity</a> by preventing <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/definition/Data-loss”>data loss</a> after a system failure. Popular types of backup storage devices for SMBs include small NAS systems and midrange appliances that <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/tip/Automated-backup-How-it-works-and-why-you-should-use-it”>automate backups</a>.</p>
<p>In the home, backup storage devices are often small enough to be portable. External hard drives and removable storage media like <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchwindowsserver/definition/USB-30-SuperSpeed-USB”>USB drives</a> are popular choices for backing up personal data because they are aff

[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.