In some ways, cloud storage is safer than local storage. In other ways, it’s less safe.

Let's first cover what cloud computing is, its many benefits and its potential drawbacks.

Cloud computing refers to accessing, sharing or collaborating on files that are stored on the Internet (“the cloud”), instead of, or in addition to, your personal computer at home or at the office.

There are many advantages to cloud computing over local storage:

• You can access your photos or documents from virtually any Internet-connected computer, tablet or smartphone.

• Because these files are stored offsite -- available via a password-protected website in cyberspace -- they’re also protected from computer theft and local damage such as fire, flood, power surge or a nasty virus.

• With cloud computing, people can work together on projects in real-time, even though they’re in different geographic locations.

• Cloud computing can also reduce congestion in someone’s inbox. Rather than trying to email a number of photos or videos to family members or friends, you can simply store them in the cloud and send a link.

But cloud computing has a few shortcomings too:

• These services are online-only, so if you don’t have an Internet connection (or if it goes down), you could be without your data. Cloud computing requires a lot of faith in the fact that you’ll have an "always on" connection, anywhere and anytime -- even at 30,000 feet.

• Your information is still stored on computer servers -- just not yours -- so there’s always a risk of data theft, viruses or glitches. Plus, your computer or device might have links directly to your cloud service. For example, services such as Dropbox show up as just another folder that appears to be stored locally. Anyone who has your computer or device can simply click on the Dropbox folder or icon and access everything you’ve stored on Dropbox’s servers if you haven’t password-protected that folder.

• If you have password-protected access to your cloud service -- like you must in Google Docs, for example -- that doesn’t mean your data isn’t hackable. If a hacker gets inside your account, he could change your password and make it very difficult for you to get back in. It’s unlikely, but possible. Plus, how well do you trust the company you’re giving your data to? Do you know where your data is being physically stored? Has the company had any recent security breaches?

In short, cloud computing is safer in some ways and less safe in others. Do your homework before trusting your data to the cloud, and use common sense. Don’t trust the cloud with your only copy of priceless photos, and don’t store copies of highly confidential documents there, either. But for redundant copies of other files, enjoy what the cloud has to offer.