Understanding Data Storage on Your Scout Security System
When choosing a home security system, a common question is how and where its data—such as event logs and video clips—is stored. Some systems offer local storage options like microSD cards, while others rely exclusively on the cloud.
This guide clarifies the storage method used by the Scout security system so you can better understand how your data is handled.
## Does Scout Offer Local Storage?
The short answer is no. The Scout security system is fundamentally designed as a cloud-native platform. None of the Scout hardware, including the Scout Hub, sensors, or cameras, includes a microSD card slot or a USB port for the purpose of local data storage.
All information, from a door opening to a motion detection event or a video recording, is encrypted and transmitted directly to Scout's secure cloud servers.
## How Your Scout Data is Stored
- Event Logs: Every action your system takes is logged in your timeline in the Scout app. This includes arming/disarming, sensor triggers, and user activity. This log is stored securely in the cloud.
- Video Clips: If you have integrated a camera with your Scout system, any video clips that are recorded are uploaded to the cloud. You can then access, view, and download these clips from the Scout app on your smartphone, no matter where you are.
## The Advantages of a Cloud-Based Approach
While some users may look for local storage, Scout's cloud-only model offers several distinct security advantages.
### 1. Data Security and Redundancy
Your data isn't sitting on a single, vulnerable piece of hardware in your home. It's stored in secure data centres with professional-grade security and backups. This protects your information from physical damage (like a fire or flood) and hardware failure.
### 2. Protection Against Tampering
A significant weakness of local storage is that a knowledgeable intruder could potentially steal or destroy the storage device (the hub or the camera itself), thereby eliminating any record of their presence. With Scout's cloud system, the data is sent off-site in near real-time. Even if the hardware is smashed, the crucial data is already safe.
### 3. Remote Access
Cloud storage is what allows you to interact with and monitor your system from anywhere in the world. You can check your event history, view live video, and watch recorded clips because the data is accessible from a central, secure server rather than being trapped on a device in your house.
## What About Internet Outages?
A valid concern with any cloud-dependent service is its reliance on an internet connection. If your home Wi-Fi goes down, the Scout Hub cannot communicate with the cloud servers.
To address this, Scout offers 4G LTE Cellular Backup as part of its paid monitoring plans. If your primary internet connection fails, the Hub can automatically switch to a cellular network to transmit alarm signals, ensuring your professional monitoring service is never interrupted.
In summary, Scout has intentionally designed its system without local storage to provide a more secure and resilient security solution that protects your data from physical threats and provides reliable remote access.