10 tips to keep your cloud storage safe and secure

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Cloud storage has made it easy to sync files, share them, keep multiple versions of a file, and more. Not only limited to backup, cloud storage has also completely replaced the physical storage drive for some users.

You can choose to use a cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive for free, or go for a paid plan for more storage and features.

While cloud storage providers offer good security measures to protect your data, what else can you do to ensure that no one is accessing it without authorization?

Here we list some tips that you need to follow to protect your files in the cloud.

1. Secure your account with a strong password

To protect your cloud storage account from unauthorized access, make sure you have a strong password in place.

A strong password is a mixture of letters, numbers and special characters (!, #, $). You can also add a variety of upper and lower case letters to make it complex.

You can use online tools available where you can check the strength of your password to make sure you have one. Either way, you can also use a password manager to generate a strong password for you.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Once you’ve set up a strong password, you’ll need to enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of account protection.

Unless you lose your device, it will be impossible for an attacker to access your cloud storage account. Authentication codes are usually generated by a 2FA application or sent to you via email or text message.

Two-factor authentication using a hardware security key is also a choice if that’s right for you.

If your online storage provider doesn’t offer 2FA protection, you should consider switching to another service.

Related: Best Free Cloud Storage Providers

3. Avoid storing mission critical information

Cloud storage is a reliable way to have a backup of your data accessible from anywhere.

However, you should not upload sensitive information to protect it from any potential attack. A physical storage drive should prove more effective in keeping your valuable information confidential.

4. Encrypt your data before downloading it

download an encrypted file

To prevent access to your files, you can choose to encrypt them before uploading them to the file storage service.

You can use tools like Cryptomator and Veracrypt to encrypt your files locally, then download them when needed.

This way, even the cloud storage provider cannot access your files without having the master password (or decryption key).

So even if your data is leaked (worst case scenario), your files are protected by encryption.

Related: The cheapest cloud storage providers

5. Choose an encrypted cloud storage service

Some of the more secure cloud storage services offer encryption by default. If your storage provider encrypts your files, you may not need to do the same locally.

But, in most cases, online storage services that offer encryption as a feature can prove to be expensive.

It might not be the most cost effective method, but if you want ease of use and encryption, encrypted cloud storage services should help.

6. Actively manage shared files

When you share a folder or file, it’s usually in the form of a link or permission using their email address.

If you’ve shared something via email, it should be safe from future unauthorized access (unless the user you shared it with has been compromised).

However, if you’ve shared a link for some of your files and folders, you might want to turn it off later. If you don’t, an attacker can stumble upon the link and easily download the files that you didn’t intend to share with everyone.

Every cloud storage service offers a way to manage shared files and links, so you need to monitor them.

7. Have a backup of your cloud data

cloud data backup

Many rely on the cloud as a convenient way to have a backup of their data and often delete these files from the storage drive to free up space.

While this is a smart way to manage the storage space on your device, it might not be the safest method.

You should always have a copy of your data on a physical storage drive in case you lose access to your cloud storage service for any reason.

Related: Is Dropbox Secure Enough For Your Private Files?

8. Examine connected apps

To automate backups or use options for integration with other web services, you may end up allowing various apps to your cloud storage account.

To reduce the security risks associated with these permissions, you should periodically review and revoke application access to your file storage service.

9. Manage devices that access cloud storage

The convenience of being able to access your files from anywhere can also be a security risk.

If you forget to sign out of a public computer or lose one of your devices, it can be disastrous.

So, to protect your account from unauthorized access, you should manage the devices logged into your account and revoke sessions that you believe could be a security risk.

10. Read the policies of your cloud storage provider

cloud storage policies

No matter how popular the cloud storage provider is, you should review the policies of the service you are relying on.

It can be an overwhelming process, but it should give you confidence in how the cloud storage service works, how your data is stored, and what information the service collects about you.

Some of the pointers to look for in official policies can be:

  • How long do they keep the account active in the event of inactivity?

  • What types of files do they allow or restrict?

  • What data do they collect on your files?

  • How long do they keep your data when you request to deactivate your account?

  • What happens to your files when your subscription expires?

Keep your cloud storage safe and secure to protect your files

Cloud storage has made things easier and more convenient. All you need is a decent internet connection to start using it.

Make sure you are actively aware of all activities related to your cloud storage to keep your files safe.

Protecting your cloud storage is easy, but you don’t have to be completely dependent on your service provider. A few actions on your part will help protect your data.


CD, hard drive, flash drive and floppy disk on a wooden surface
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