India leads in data backup habits, yet hybrid solutions preferred, claims Survey

External storage solutions

A recent survey by Western Digital (WD) reveals that Indian users are leading the charge in data backup habits globally, with 30% backing up their data daily – the highest compared to major economies like the US and the UK. The study sheds light on the data storage preferences and concerns of Indian consumers, highlighting a strong awareness of data security alongside a preference for flexible storage solutions.

Interestingly, while cloud storage is a popular choice for backup (40%), Indians show a significant inclination towards external hard drives, ranking second globally at 54%. This suggests a blend of convenience and a potential concern for complete reliance on the cloud. This is further emphasised by the finding that a substantial 41% of Indian users would prefer a hybrid storage solution combining the benefits of both cloud and physical storage if given unlimited capacity.

The survey also indicates a high level of trust in cloud storage among Indian respondents (49%), contributing to a high rate of automated backups (69%). Notably, Indian consumers are the biggest users of free cloud storage worldwide (86%), with a significant 63% having already upgraded to paid versions for more capacity.

Despite this proactive approach to backup, a considerable 56% of Indian users have experienced data loss in the past, underscoring the continued importance of robust and user-friendly backup solutions. The primary motivation for backing up data remains the fear of losing important information (78%), highlighting the emotional connection users have with their digital lives. The findings suggest a strong market opportunity for hybrid storage solutions and continued education on the benefits of regular and automated backups in India.