What does 'eliminating single points of failure' refer to?

Eliminating single points of failure refers to the practice of ensuring that no single component or pathway within a system is critical to the functioning of that entire system. By diversifying network paths, the resilience and reliability of the network are increased, as it allows for alternative paths or components that can take over if one part fails. This approach is foundational in network design and cybersecurity because it mitigates the risks associated with potential failures, ensuring that the system can continue to operate smoothly even in the event of a disruption.

In contrast, creating backups for all data is more related to data recovery rather than addressing the structure of a network or system. Using only one type of security measure can create vulnerabilities, as it does not provide redundancy or multiple layers of protection. Relying solely on cloud storage also introduces reliance on a single provider or platform, without incorporating additional pathways or systems, which can lead to single points of failure if that service experiences issues. Therefore, diversifying network paths effectively addresses the concept of eliminating single points of failure.