Cold Storage backup: an offline copy of your data in a vault
UnderHost Cold Storage keeps a copy of your data on your own dedicated drive, stored offline in a secured vault in Canada. How the monthly update works, how to upload, and how to get your data back.
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Cold Storage keeps a copy of your data on a dedicated physical drive that belongs to your plan, stored offline in a secured vault: a fireproof and waterproof safe with biometric access and 24/7 surveillance, in UnderHost's Canada facility. Because the drive is not connected to any network, it cannot be reached by ransomware or an attacker who gets into your servers.
When it is the right choice
- Archives you rarely need but must not lose: old projects, records, finished client work.
- A last line of defence against ransomware or account compromise, alongside your regular online backups.
- Data that must be kept offline for compliance or internal policy.
Cold Storage is not a replacement for daily backups. It is updated once a month and is offline in between, so pair it with Personal Backup or Business Backup for recent data.
Plans
| Plan | Dedicated drive | Upload port | Updates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB Cold Storage | 1 TB WD Black | 1 Gbps | Monthly, on the 1st | $49.95 USD / month |
| 5TB Cold Storage | 5 TB WD Black | 1 Gbps | Monthly, on the 1st | $99.95 USD / month |
| 10TB Cold Storage | 10 TB WD Black | 1 Gbps | Monthly, on the 1st | $199.95 USD / month |
Setup is free, and custom cold storage setups are available on request. Current prices are on the Cold Storage page.
How the monthly update works
You upload to the staging server
During the month, send the data you want archived to your staging space over SFTP, SSH or rsync.
The data is copied on the 1st
On the 1st of each month, UnderHost transfers a copy of your staging data to your dedicated drive.
The drive goes back offline
Your drive returns to the vault, disconnected until the next update or until you ask for access.
The vault copy is a monthly snapshot of your staging data. Anything uploaded after the transfer waits for the next month.
Upload your data
Your staging login is provided after the order. Replace user with your login:
# keep the staging copy identical to your archive folder (run before the 1st)
rsync -avz --delete /local/archive/ user@staging.underhost.com:/coldstorage/
# or upload interactively over SFTP
sftp user@staging.underhost.comFor sensitive data, encrypt it before it leaves your computer, for example as an encrypted archive with gpg or duplicity, and keep the key somewhere other than the archive. See Backup encryption.
Get your data back
- Online access: open a support ticket. The team physically mounts your drive so you can retrieve your data over FTP or SSH.
- Drive shipping: you can ask for your drive to be shipped to you anywhere in the world. Shipping costs apply.
Plan restores ahead: because the drive is offline, access is arranged by ticket rather than instantly.
What is and is not included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Your own dedicated WD Black drive | 24/7 online access: the drive is offline, access by ticket |
| Fireproof, waterproof vault with biometric access and 24/7 surveillance | Version history: each update is a monthly snapshot |
| Monthly update on the 1st, staging server access over FTP/SSH | Real-time updates |
| On-demand retrieval by ticket, optional worldwide drive shipping | Shipping costs, when you ask for the drive to be delivered |
FAQ
Related: Personal Backup | Business Backup | Backup retention | Disaster recovery planning
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