What is Decentralized Storage?
Blockchain is a unique technology in that there are so many things it can do. Whether you are looking for decentralized currency, technology development, or even art (NFTs), blockchain can do it. One of the most unique aspects of blockchain, however, is its ability to provide decentralized storage.
Decentralized storage is essential for security, privacy, and longevity concerns, especially as technology continues to adapt. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how decentralized storage works.
What is Decentralized Storage?
Decentralized storage is exactly what it sounds like—it’s data storage that occurs outside of a centralized entity. Whether you realize it or not, you likely currently use centralized storage. Cloud storage, Apple storage, and Google storage are all centralized—your information is stored with a single point of failure.
Decentralized storage, on the other hand, disperses your data, storing it securely in multiple different locations. Just like centralized storage, you pay for this service, but instead of paying a single entity (which could fail, be hacked, or go bankrupt), you are paying multiple different entities to secure the same data.
What Are the Benefits of Decentralized Storage?
1. Control
Unlike with traditional centralized storage, users retain control over their data with decentralized storage methods. This is because no one entity has them in a chokehold, and they are able to move and adjust their storage at will. Not only that, but because no one entity controls the data, there is no worrying about changing terms and conditions, which can leave you with the sudden need to leave a certain centralized server.
2. Security
As we mentioned above, the number one vulnerability for centralized data is that if that entity, where all of your data is stored, becomes compromised, you could lose everything in a single attack. This is an issue that has only become more prevalent in recent years with the rising number of hacks.
Not only that, but storing your data with one company also brings up other concerns—like if that physical data center were destroyed, you would lose everything. You might laugh, but this is a real concern, especially when you consider Amazon recently lost several of its servers due to war in the Middle East.
Storing your data across multiple devices and companies removes this issue, because if one machine is destroyed, your information lives on. The only way decentralized stored data can be truly lost is if every machine is destroyed simultaneously—something which would be a huge deal for the entire world, and we promise you won’t be the only one panicking if that happens. But regardless, it is highly unlikely to ever happen.
3. Privacy
Honestly, we should probably list this earlier, as privacy is increasingly becoming an issue around the world. Decentralized storage offers a type of privacy you cannot even imagine. Not only can data be split so the full picture of your information is obscured, but also no one entity can claim they have a right to view your data for you to utilize their service.
It is also worth noting that decentralized storage relies on cryptography—something single-entity centralized storage providers don’t always have. Of course, many of the big ones do, but again, who is really checking them?
4. Resilience
We will say it once, and we will say it again: centralized data is not resilient. No matter what provider you use, you are one hack, drone strike, or bankruptcy away from losing access to everything. The only way around this fatal flaw is by keeping your data stored using a decentralized method, ensuring you are no longer one mistake away from losing everything.
Are There Any Downsides to Decentralized Storage?
Just like anything in life, there are downsides to decentralized storage. One of the main ones is that it is less user-friendly, and there is typically a steep learning curve to learn how to use it. Unlike centralized services, which have money to invest in improving user interface and customer service representatives, decentralized storage options tend to be bare-bones.
That being said, the idea of decentralized storage has been around since 2006, and there are constant improvements in the space. This means what may have felt difficult for the average individual to master last year, may be a viable solution next year.
Decentralized Data Storage Options
If you are reading this and wondering when you can utilize decentralized data storage options, the answer is now. There are already so many good, decentralized data storage options that we know you can find one that suits you.
1. IPFS
IPFS stands for ‘interplanetary file system,’ and it is a massive peer-to-peer file-sharing network built on a distributed hash table. Often considered the original form of decentralized storage, this algorithm breaks up your data and stores it in a variety of locations for a fee. Often, these locations are individuals with extra space to share on their computer, ensuring your money is going back to an individual instead of a massive conglomerate.
**IPFS is both an idea as well as a blockchain which can cause some confusion in new users.
2. Filecoin
Filecoin is a somewhat newer alternative to IPFS, which is known to be a little more user-friendly. It operates under similar protocols and charges users a similar price for their storage. Although there was some drama with its launch in 2017, it is now used by many around the world for their decentralized storage needs.
3. Aptos
Another alternative to Filecoin is Aptos, which is a layer-one blockchain offering decentralized storage. It is programmed with the Move programming language, and users pay a small fee for the amount of data they wish to store. Launched in 2022, Aptos is even newer than Filecoin, though the older token has spent more on innovation. Regardless, it is an apt option for decentralized data storage if you are looking!
**Please note that we do caution you to investigate any decentralized blockchain storage protocol carefully before investing. It is always better to go with a more established and longer-running protocol than to try a new one. Remember, this is your data we are talking about, and it deserves the best!
