The files are encrypted and can be up to 1 GB in size, but usually smaller. I want to securely save them on the Internet for many years and have constant access from anywhere in the world. I don't want to rely on my memory or have to use a new device or operating system every time. Just a login-password and the location of the files should be enough. I'm also looking for software that is freely available.
So, where and how can this be done?
Using cloud storage, file hosting, or a VPS may not be reliable because the provider can block my account or require additional dоcuments or authentication methods like OTP or phone verification, which I might not have access to in the future. Even if my credentials are correct, they can still ban me based on the country I'm accessing from, just like Google does.
In summary, I need something reliable, open, preferably free, and not controlled by a corporation. I also need the flexibility to update or add new files without complications or restrictions on the old ones.
Considering these requirements, I'm thinking of using torrents or IPFS. But are there any drawbacks to these options?
If you're looking for a reliable, open, and preferably free solution that is not controlled by a corporation, using torrents or IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) can be viable options. Both these technologies allow for decentralized file storage and distribution, ensuring that your files are not dependent on a single server or provider.
Using torrents can provide high availability and resilience since files are distributed across multiple peers. However, it's important to note that torrents can sometimes be seen as facilitating the sharing of copyrighted content, which can lead to legal issues depending on the nature of the files you're storing.
On the other hand, IPFS is a peer-to-peer file system that uses decentralized nodes to store and share files. It offers content addressing, meaning files are identified by their unique hash, making it easy to retrieve them even if the original uploader is no longer available. IPFS can also provide versioning capabilities, allowing you to update files without complications or restrictions on the old ones.
Drawbacks of using torrents or IPFS include slower download speeds compared to centralized solutions and the need to keep your device connected to the network for files to remain accessible. Additionally, while the technologies themselves are reliable, the availability of files can depend on the number of active peers in the network.
Ensure the security of your files by encrypting them before uploading them to any storage solution, including torrents or IPFS.
It will not be successful. Even experienced users on rutracker who are in high demand already need assistance from a team of maintainers, and no one will ever willingly store unfamiliar files for others.
Furthermore, it is important to realize that storage space is not free by nature. Consequently, the notion that someone will generously store your gigabytes out of pure altruism is incredibly naïve.
Duplication of data across multiple services and exploring unconventional methods could be a practical approach. One possibility is to create a website that encodes base64 files on its pages and caches them in a wayback machine, while also sending them via email, embedding them into videos, and uploading them to YouTube. This would provide diverse backup options for the data.
Using torrents, however, requires a computer with a stable internet connection that can remain connected for 10 years without any interruptions or system reinstallation.
What was functioning 10 years ago and is still functioning? Let's take Facebook as an example - it was completely different back then compared to what it is now. The software has changed, and the site itself has evolved over the past decade. It is challenging to predict which IT companies will still be around in 10 years. The probability of today's popular IT giants disappearing is quite high. Additionally, when it comes to specific software and its implementation, everything is constantly changing. The more open-source and free the software, the less concerned they are about backward compatibility. Consequently, the chances of it working the same way in the future as it does today are even lower.
Technology is rapidly advancing, and with each passing year, new innovations emerge. It is important for companies and individuals to adapt and embrace change in order to stay relevant and thrive in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
Your concerns about relying on traditional cloud storage or file hosting services are valid, as they often come with potential risks and limitations.
Torrents and IPFS are decentralized peer-to-peer file sharing protocols that provide an interesting alternative for long-term storage. With torrents, you can distribute your files across a network of users, ensuring redundancy and availability. However, it's essential to note that torrenting relies on active participation from other users to maintain file availability, and the ethical and legal considerations of file sharing should be carefully evaluated.
IPFS, on the other hand, is a distributed system that aims to create a peer-to-peer method of storing and sharing hypermedia in a distributed file system. Files are identified by content, not location, which means they can be accessed from anywhere without reliance on a central server. This aligns with your requirement for constant access from anywhere in the world.
One drawback of using torrents or IPFS for long-term storage is the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure file availability. With torrents, you rely on the continued participation of other users, and with IPFS, you need to ensure that your files remain accessible through the network. Additionally, the user experience for accessing files stored via torrents or IPFS may not be as seamless as traditional cloud storage solutions.
To address your requirements for reliability, openness, and freedom from corporate control, you might consider exploring self-hosted storage solutions using open-source software. Platforms like Nextcloud or ownCloud allow you to create your own private cloud storage environment, giving you full control over your data while offering features similar to traditional cloud storage providers. Since these platforms are open-source, you have the flexibility to customize and tailor the storage environment to suit your specific needs.
While torrents and IPFS offer intriguing possibilities for long-term, decentralized file storage, they come with their own set of considerations and maintenance requirements. Exploring self-hosted open-source solutions may provide a more straightforward and reliable option for securely saving your files on the Internet for many years, with the added benefit of complete control over your data.
Storing encrypted files in torrents or IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) enhances data security by adding an additional layer of protection. Encryption safeguards the content from unauthorized access or tampering during distribution across decentralized networks. Utilizing these technologies allows for efficient and decentralized file storage, promoting accessibility and redundancy while maintaining confidentiality. However, it's crucial to ensure proper key management and consider the legal and ethical implications of distributing encrypted content through these platforms.
While you might think you're safe from corporate control, you could inadvertently expose yourself to copyright issues if your files are flagged.
It's ironic to seek freedom from corporate oversight while potentially stepping into a legal gray area.