Good and not-so-good sides of the cloud
Cloud storage has good and not-so-good sides. The advantages: it frees up space on your devices; you can reach your files from several devices if you have internet; it keeps a back-up of your files; it adds security, because storage can be protected with a password and encryption; and you can share files directly with the people you allow. The disadvantages: you need an internet connection, because cloud-only files cannot be opened without it; storage often costs money, and the more you store, the more you pay; and if the service suffers a data breach, your information could be exposed. This is a small risk, because large services are very safe. You can lower the risk with a strong password and multi-factor authentication, as in Week 10. When a family member has a worry, answer with evidence, not just opinion. Keep a copy of important files on your own device for the internet worry, and store only what you need for the cost worry.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| frees space on your devices | needs an internet connection |
| reach files from many devices | often costs more as you store more |
| keeps a back-up | a data breach could expose information (small risk) |
| password and encryption add security | you must use strong protection |
| Worry | Evidence-based answer |
|---|---|
| no internet, no files | keep a copy of important files on a device |
| it costs more and more | store only what you need |
| a breach could expose data | strong password and a second proof |
Persuasion poster. Make a poster for a family member who has never used cloud storage. Write a title, draw three pictures that show three benefits, and add one sentence that answers a worry they might have. Use no real accounts or photos.