Comment by Terretta

> I have never understood the thinking around uploading your private life to some server in the cloud when they are more secure on an external hard drive at home.

Depends on your threat model. If someone unofficial wanted at what you're doing, they'd likely find it easier to go after your home data than what you have in iCloud -- particularly if using Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/108756

Also, ask the folks in Los Angeles how those external hard drives at home are working out for them in the fires. There are many types of threats.