3 Most Effective Ways To Protect Your Cloud Data
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Despite assurances, your cloud storage may not be as secure as you think.
If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably thinking about using a cloud server but you’re worried about data security, or you’re already a cloud user but you want to make it more secure.
For the record, I’m not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned here. They were the ones I reviewed in my efforts to find for myself a more secure cloud service. I hope my research will help others who are in a similar position.
Cloud storage has become very popular in the last five years. And cloud storage solutions are now available from major vendors like Dropbox, Google, Apple and Microsoft.
There’s no denying the convenience that cloud storage provides.
- The data is off-site with backup and restore capabilities.
- It reduces local storage requirements.
- It facilitates team collaboration and remote working.
- In some cases, the data is version controlled.
- It provides easy, reliable access to the data across different platforms.
- Unlimited storage (at a price).
Conversely, there are a number of important disadvantages that users often overlook.
- A loss of access to your files if the cloud or the Internet goes down.
- An external entity has possession and control of your data.
- It’s open to hackers, governments (through data requests and backdoor access) and commercial interests.
- There’s no guarantee to privacy or confidentiality.
The threat
For me the last two points are particularly important from a cybersecurity stand point. More so since 2013, after Edward Snowden’s revelation that the NSA was using PRISM to collect and store communications off the Internet backbone with corporate assistance.
After years of claims and counterclaims as to the extent of corporate involvement, doubts linger.
Even if we assume the absence of corporate involvement, the US government can still issue a data request under a number of…
