Cloud storage has made it easy to synchronise files, share them, keep multiple versions of a file, and a lot more. Not just limited for 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 opt for a paid plan for more storage and features.
While cloud storage providers offer good security measures to keep your data safe and secure, what else can you do to guarantee that no one gets unauthorized access to that?
Here we list a few tips that you should 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 that 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 uppercase and lowercase letters to make it complex.
You can use online tools available where you can check your password strength to make sure that you have a strong one. In either case, you can also use a password manager to generate a strong password for you.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Once you have a strong password in place, you should enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of account protection.
Unless you lose your device, it will be impossible for an attacker to access your cloud storage account. The authentication codes are usually generated by a 2FA app or delivered to you via email or SMS.
Two factor authentication using a hardware security key is also a choice if you are comfortable with that.
If your online storage provider does not offer 2FA protection, you should consider switching to a different service.
3. Avoid Storing Mission-Critical Information
Cloud storage is a reliable way to have a backup of your data that can be accessed from anywhere.
However, you should not upload sensitive information to keep it safe from any potential attacks. A physical storage drive should prove to be more effective in keeping your valuable information private.
4. Encrypt Your Data Before Uploading
To prevent access to your files, you can choose to encrypt them before uploading to the file storage service.
You can use tools like Cryptomator and Veracrypt to encrypt your files locally and then upload it when needed.
This way, not even the cloud storage provider can access your files without having the master password (or decryption key).
So, even if your data gets leaked (worst-case scenario), your files are protected by encryption.
5. Choose an Encrypted Cloud Storage Service
Some of the most 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 of the cases, the online storage services that offer encryption as a feature may prove to be on the expensive side.
It may not be the most cost-efficient method, but if you want the ease of use and encryption, encrypted cloud storage services should help.
6. Manage Shared Files Actively
When you share a folder or file, it is usually in the form of a link or giving permission using their email address.
If you have shared something via email, it should be safe from any future unauthorized access (unless the user who you shared it with has been compromised).
However, if you have shared a link for some of your files and folders, you might want to disable it later. If you do not, an attacker may come across the link and easily download the files that you did not intend to share with everyone.
Every cloud storage service provides a way to manage the files and links shared, so you should keep an eye on those.
7. Have a Backup of Your Cloud Data
Many rely on the cloud as the convenient way to have a backup of their data and often delete those files from the storage drive to free up space.
While that is a clever way to manage storage space on your device, it may not be the safest method.
You should always have a copy of your data in a physical storage drive in case you lose access to your cloud storage service for any reason.
8. Review Connected Apps
To automate backups or use integration options in other web services, you may end up giving permission to various applications to your cloud storage account.
To reduce the security risks from those permissions, you should regularly review and revoke app access to your file storage service.
9. Manage Devices That Access the Cloud Storage
The convenience of being able to access your files from anywhere can also end up as a security risk.
If you forget to log out from a public computer, or lost one of your devices, that could be disastrous.
So, to protect your account from unauthorized access, you should manage the devices connected to your account and revoke the sessions that you think could be a security risk.
10. Read the Policies of Your Cloud Storage Provider
No matter how popular the cloud storage provider is, you need to go through the policies of the service you rely on.
It could be an overwhelming process, but it should give you confidence in how the cloud storage service functions, stores your data, 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 case of any inactivity?
- What type of files do they allow or restrict?
- What data do they collect about your files?
- How long do they keep your data when you request deactivation of 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 convenient. All you need is a decent Internet connection to start using it.
Make sure that you are actively aware of every activity related to your cloud storage to ensure security of your files.
It is easy to keep your cloud storage safe, but you should not completely depend on your service provider. A few actions from your side will help keep your data secure.