Cloud Storage

Exam code: 2210

Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Cloud storage is a term to describe long-term (secondary) storage of data that resides in a remote location, accessible only via a wide area network (Internet)
Data is stored on remote servers, typically using magnetic storage (HDD), but increasingly using solid state (SSD)

Advantages	Disadvantages
Reliability - Access data anywhere, any time, from any device	Cost - Typically a monthly/yearly subscription plan
Security - Automatic backups	Availability - No access without an internet connection
Capacity - Endless storage space (cost permitting), uses less space on own device
Collaboration - Multiple people can access the same file at the same time

Cloud storage offers several advantages over storing data on a local secondary storage device

Benefit	Explanation
Accessibility	Data can be accessed from anywhere Data can be accessed by anyone with the relevant permissions, making it quick to share files and collaborate with others Data can be accessed on any device with an internet connection
Scalability	Cloud storage providers allow customers to increase or decrease their storage capacity as needed
Reliability	Cloud storage providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure
Security	Cloud storage providers offer advanced security features, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect user data from unauthorised access There is no need to hire specialist staff as IT services being provided by the cloud storage provider

You also do not need to purchase local secondary storage devices
One cloud storage centre is more environmentally friendly than millions of individual servers
There are some drawbacks to using cloud storage
- If the user has a slow or unreliable internet connection they would have problems accessing their files
- If you are storing a lot of data it can be expensive
  - You have to pay the cloud storage provider
  - You may need to commit to an annual subscription
  - You may have to pay for high download and upload data transfer limits
- Data being sent over the internet has the potential to be intercepted
- Security is managed by the cloud storage provider which means the user does not have complete control over it but is still legally responsible for ensuring any personal and sensitive data is secure

Worked example

A school currently stores all of their data on local servers. They are considering upgrading their system to utilise cloud storage.

Explain two disadvantages to the school of storing their data in the cloud.

[4]

You need a constant internet connection [1]
if the internet connection failed, teachers would not be able to access lesson files [1]
if the internet connection failed, teachers would not be able to access student data/take electronic registers [1]
if the internet connection failed, students would not be able to access their work/coursework [1]
Reliant on third party to carry out security procedures [1]
but the school is still legally responsible if data is accessed by unauthorised people [1]
Data stored on the cloud could be hacked or intercepted [1]

Explain two advantages to the school of storing their data in the cloud.

[4]

Additional storage can be purchased if needed [1]
The cloud hosting company provides back up [1]
The cloud hosting company provides security [1]
Data can be accessed from anywhere and from any device provided there is an internet connection [1]
So teachers would be able to access data from home [1]
So students would be able to access work from home [1]

Advantages of Cloud Storage