Question

information and data literacy

what are the main advantages of backing up data to the cloud?

select 3 answers.

data upload speeds are fast.
maintenance is low as upgrades are carried out by the provider.
you can easily increase the storage space required.
only you have full control of your backups.
your files are safe from attacks because the storage system can be disconnected from the network.
files can be automatically backed up.

Explanation:

Analyze the question requirements

The question asks for the main advantages of backing up data to the cloud and specifies that we must select exactly 3 answers. This requires evaluating each option based on the principles of Data Literacy and cloud storage systems.

Evaluate options 1 and 2

• Option 1: "Data upload speeds are fast."

Upload speeds to the cloud depend heavily on the user's internet bandwidth and can often be slower than local backups (like external hard drives). Thus, this is not a primary, guaranteed advantage.

• Option 2: "Maintenance is low as upgrades are carried out by the provider."

This is a major advantage of cloud services. The service provider manages the physical infrastructure, hardware maintenance, and software updates, reducing the user's maintenance burden.

Evaluate options 3 and 4

• Option 3: "You can easily increase the storage space required."

This refers to scalability, which is a key benefit of cloud storage. Users can instantly upgrade their storage capacity online without buying physical hardware.

• Option 4: "Only you have full control of your backups."

In cloud storage, the third-party provider hosts and manages the servers, meaning you do not have exclusive, physical control over the backup infrastructure.

Evaluate options 5 and 6

• Option 5: "Your files are safe from attacks because the storage system can be disconnected from the network."

Cloud storage is by definition connected to the internet (network-attached). It cannot be physically disconnected from the network by the user to prevent online attacks, unlike offline local backups (cold storage).

• Option 6: "Files can be automatically backed up."

Most cloud backup software allows for automated, scheduled background backups, ensuring data is saved without manual user intervention. This is a primary advantage.

Synthesize the selected advantages

Based on the analysis, the three correct advantages of cloud backups are:

1. Maintenance is low as upgrades are carried out by the provider.
2. You can easily increase the storage space required (scalability).
3. Files can be automatically backed up.

Answer:

• Data upload speeds are fast.
• Maintenance is low as upgrades are carried out by the provider. (Correct answer)
• You can easily increase the storage space required. (Correct answer)
• Only you have full control of your backups.
• Your files are safe from attacks because the storage system can be disconnected from the network.
• Files can be automatically backed up. (Correct answer)