Why Google’s Backup and Sync Client Isn’t Really Backup

Google rolled out two new applications to replace the previous Google Drive app, Backup and Sync for personal use, and Drive File Stream for businesses.

Google Backup and Sync builds from the historic Google Drive Sync client with a new interface and a few enhanced features. Backup and Sync sync with other local folders to the Google Cloud in addition to the local version of Google Drive data. Drive File Stream allows users to access their files on demand without using up their local disk space or wasting time syncing large folders.

Google has already stopped supporting the desktop Mac PC version of Google Drive, however, you can still access Drive from the web.

How These Apps Fall Short of a Third-Party Backup Solution

While these applications provide new features and functionality for users, they don’t replace the need for a secure backup of your files. These files are still 100% susceptible to ransomware and loss due to human error.

In the case of ransomware, if you sync files to your system and your system encrypts those files, Google’s sync client dutifully syncs those ransomware-encrypted files back to the cloud. If ransomware infects files on a computer, they’ll sync to Google File Stream and corruption will exist on both versions. And, if you use Google File Stream to collaborate with colleagues, ransomware can spread rapidly across all shared files and folders—creating a much larger issue.

However, you can avoid ransomware with a proper SaaS backup solution such as Backupify for G Suite. With Backupify, data from your:

• Gmail
• Drive and Shared Drives
• Calendar
• Contacts

..Are all automatically backed up to the secure Datto Cloud three times a day. This independent copy allows you to restore data to a point in time before your files were encrypted.

Proper G Suite Backup

Google File Stream and Backup & Sync, despite the names, do not protect you from accidental deletion. Google added the ability to sync with your local folders including:

• Desktop
• Downloads
• Documents

And, replicate those to your cloud Drive as well, making it seem like a backup at first glance.

If a user deletes a folder or file on either their desktop or the cloud, Google will instantly replicate those changes across both environments, meaning your files are still gone.

While your G Suite data is in the process of being relocated in the new Google tools, you should ensure you have a backup in case of data loss on Google’s part.

If your IT team is looking for secure, automated G Suite backup, Backupify can help. Request a free demo of the product or price quote with our team.