Bold of you to assume that there will be anyone around to deem us “ancient”
Linode has some cool “turnkey” solutions for this. One example: https://www.linode.com/marketplace/apps/nextcloud/nextcloud/
So instead of doing a reverse proxy or vpn on self hosted hardware you would be renting linode servers that are already connected. Then you just have to follow the instructions to hook up a domain or add the relevant dns records.
Either way is fine it just depends on what you’re comfortable with and what you have on hand/want to buy.
I know some software engineers like that. Some of it is knowing that the companies that make iot devices don’t give a crap about security. Some of it is plain ol paranoia. Mechanical door locks can be picked does that mean you invest in guard dogs? Crime is a thing but so is misanthropy. I think we should take reasonable precautions but believe that there are more good ppl than bad.
Who knew that 10 squirrels in a trench coat could get a physics degree?