Posted On 19 Nov 2020
The cloud has unquestionably become the storage method of choice for most of us, removing the need to clog up our devices with vast amounts of data or carry around memory sticks, portable hard drives etc. However, the downside of this is that we do, to a certain extent, lose control of our data in handing it over to the cloud and if we are not careful data losses or breaches could result. Below are a few tips to make sure that you can navigate the cloud safely.
Backup your data: as with any data, having a copy in case of loss or corruption is essential. You don’t even need hardware to do this; all cloud storage services have the option to create a second account to backup your primary account. However, it’s always a good idea to keep a copy on a physical hard drive or memory stick as well, just in case; if nothing else, it means you can always access your data when you have no Internet connection.
Keep the most sensitive information to yourself: cloud services are very secure, but there is always a chance that your data could be intercepted as it travels between you and the cloud; don’t store data such as your personal address, bank account details, passport details etc. in the cloud if you can help it. If you must, make sure you encrypt your data first.
Choose data encryption: many cloud services offer encryption on both uploads to and downloads from the cloud, making your data so secure that even the cloud provider itself cannot read it. The higher level of security you go for, the longer delay there will be with uploads and downloads, but you may decide the extra security is worth it.
DIY encryption: An alternative to allowing the cloud provider to encrypt your data itself is to do it yourself; there are numerous apps specially available for data to be encrypted before submitting to the cloud. Even if you are using your cloud provider’s services, there is no harm in adding an extra layer of protection.
Check the T & C’s: make sure that it is absolutely clear in your provider’s small print that you retain all rights to all data submitted.
Protect your system: as with normal computing, use the best antivirus software possible to make sure that nobody has infected your data as you download it.
Password protection: make sure that you use strong passwords and change them frequently; a password generator is a good way of adding extra layers of security. Many cloud providers offer two-step verification, i.e. once you login with a password, an additional code will be sent to your mobile device.
Be careful online: the number one way hackers access data is when people make mistakes, for example forgetting to close their account when using shared computers, using unsecured Wi-Fi in public places, etc. Your data is worth a lot of money to you, and a lot of money to hackers; make sure you don’t, metaphorically, leave the safe door unlocked when you’ve finished with it.
