If you don’t already use cloud storage, chances are you’re thinking about doing so. Or, wondering what it’s all about. And with several cloud security breaches hitting the news in recent months, you may even be wondering whether there’s such a thing as cloud storage security. A few years ago, breaches usually impacted a few million individuals. These days, a single breach can affect billions of people in one go.
In 2017, Yahoo revealed that data of over 3 billion accounts had been compromised, costing the company over 350 million dollars. Similarly, in 2019, over 137 million Canva accounts were compromised and over 218 million Zynga accounts were hacked. Keeping these breaches mind, we’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about cloud privacy and security. We’ve also included our verdict on whether you should trust it.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud services allow you to store files in a central location and access them through any device via the Internet. So, if your device gets lost, stolen, or damaged, your files will still be safe and sound with your cloud storage providers. At least, that’s the idea.
Why are people worried about cloud security?
In short, a lack of control. In using cloud services, you’re handing over your files and trusting a company to look after them. And cloud security breaches do occur. According to the Cyber Security Report, published by CISCO, India has seen a 7.9% rise in data breaches since 2017.
Moreover, the State of Cloud Security 2020 survey revealed that around 93% of organisations experienced cloud security challenges. That said, no form of file storage is entirely risk-free. So, the question isn’t whether there’s such a thing as 100% safe cloud storage. It’s whether the cloud is more or less risky than your hard drive.
What are the benefits and risks of cloud storage?
The principal concern for most people is hacking. And it isn’t entirely unwarranted. The most common form of hacking is when cybercriminals somehow obtain a person’s password and use it to access their files or demand ransom. That said, hacking the cloud itself is much more difficult and, therefore, much rarer.
Perhaps a more significant concern is cloud privacy. Governments and law enforcement agencies can request access to data stored on the cloud, which is often handed over. While this isn’t a security concern, it’s worth bearing in mind if you value privacy.
What are the upsides of cloud storage safety?
The server warehouses in which your files get stored are in extremely secure locations. Only a handful of employees have direct access and they’re guarded 24/7.
Your files are heavily encrypted, making it much harder to hack the cloud than your hard drive.
It’s usually cheaper than buying your own physical backup storage devices.
Cloud storage is easy to use: you can automatically back up and access your files with just a password.
Is there anything I can do to maximise my cloud security?
While cloud storage is already very secure, there are a few things you can do to make it even safer:
Use a service that offers two-factor authentication, such that you not only have to use your password to access the cloud but also enter an OTP generated by the authenticator to verify your identity.
Create a strong password that isn’t easy to hack
Use an extra cloud service instead of keeping everything in one place.
If you have specific privacy concerns, back up particularly sensitive documents to a hard drive that remains disconnected from your computer.
Use a VPN service to encrypt your data as it moves through the Internet (especially when you’re on public WiFi).
Use encryption software to add a layer of encryption to sensitive files before backing them up to the cloud.
Our verdict
At the outset, cloud storage is significantly more secure than your hard drive. But, if you’re still worried, there’s plenty you can do to make your already safe cloud storage even more secure. Every additional layer of security will make your cloud storage service harder to use. So, think carefully about whether extra security at the expense of convenience is right for you.
On another note, securing your home is just as important as securing data uploaded on the cloud. Home security is just as important as data security, and having the right insurance policy in place is a huge part of that. Discover Future Generali’s insurance plans.
