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Yes! All cloud backup services offer encryption of your data both during the transfer to and from your computer as well as while your data is stored on the provider’s servers.While this encryption stops others from being able to view your data, it doesn’t necessarily stop them from stealing it. Generally speaking, while not infallible, cloud backup services are one of the most secure options for storing your data.

When it comes to the sheer volume of features, iDrive is the pick of the online backup litter. With honorable mentions to Livedrive for unlimited storage, and Sync.com for free storage with real backup features.

Much of the "cheap" equation depends on how much storage you need. Icedrive in its 10GB free incarnation is PCWorld's top pick for small amounts of data, with 5GB Sync.com next in freebie line. If you're wondering why no OneDrive, Google Drive, etc. it's because they don't offer backup functions. Dropbox now offers a backup function (beta), so that's another runner-up. Just avoid the Teams version of Dropbox Backup, which moves data before actually backing it up.For up to 1TB of storage, the lifetime deal of $199 from pCloud is hard to beat.

Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive are considered cloud storage services because they don't offer local backup clients, but sync via a local virtual drive or web interface. A user must place their files onto the service’s cloud manually.A cloud backup service provides a desktop client with either versioning or retention of all the files you've backed up. Cloud backup service providers may also offer additional data security measures such as end-to-end encryption.