Key Ways to Secure Cloud Data

Cloud solutions, like Google Drive and Dropbox, store the data online and access it anywhere with just an Internet connection.

FREMONT, CA: Users don't need to bring their portable storage devices with them because of cloud-based storage services. Cloud solutions, like Google Drive and Dropbox, store the data online and access it anywhere with just an Internet connection.

Although the convenience is appealing, moving any data to a cloud service may create some security concerns. For one thing, users never know who else might have access to this private information.

Having said that, if one puts in a little extra work, they can always protect their data from illegal access. Here are a few helpful hints for keeping your cloud data as safe as possible.

• Backup data locally

When it comes to data management, it's critical to have information backed up. In general, it is a good idea to make electronic duplicates of any essential data to access it even if the original is lost but instead corrupted.

One can create an associated cloud storage account(s) for backup purposes on any cloud storage services available on the market.

One should also back up the data manually on an external physical storage drive, such as a hard disc or a thumb drive. It also allows users to view the information if the Internet connection is slow or non-existent.

• Use cloud services that encrypt your data.

Looking for a cloud storage service that offers local encryption for the data is one of the simplest ways to protect their privacy while utilizing cloud storage services.

While storing encrypted data in the cloud is a good start, it would be better if the cloud service also ensured encryption during the file-sharing processes. It can get accomplished with the military-grade Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) (256 bits), which DrivePop uses.

• Use a strong password (and apply Two-Step Verification)

One must ensure that their password can withstand a hacking or cracking attempt as the first security line against hostile hackers. On the Internet, there are a plethora of suggestions for creating a strong password.

Aside from choosing a unique and robust password, make sure to change it periodically and avoid using the same password across all online accounts.

If the cloud service allows it, one can also use two-step verification for their login, which is far more secure.

• Protect your system with anti-virus & anti-spy app

One could use a reliable cloud service provider that they trust, but the computer system they are connecting from is often the weakest link.

Without adequate system protection, one exposes oneself to bugs and viruses, which hackers can use to access the account.