Is cloud storage safe?

 

Cloud storage has grown in popularity in the last ten years and is continuing to grow at a massive rate, inevitably being the only way going forward. Most of us use cloud storage everyday. E-mail is probably the most common use of cloud storage. Using an e-mail provider such as Gmail or Outlook means you’re using cloud storage. But is cloud storage safe?

Cloud storage is safe, if you approach it in the right way. Often, the issue with cloud security comes from a lack of familiarity. This is surprising given that we all use cloud on a daily basis. The view that cloud is not secure is based on a perceived loss of control. Many people believe that hosting data elsewhere somehow removes the ability to directly manage security.

A huge factor to consider is that the providers of your cloud storage are also vulnerable to attack. Even entrusting your data with large multi-national companies does not exclude you from danger.

What many users aren’t aware of is that most cloud providers do not offer any guarantee your files will be safe from loss or corruption. Amazon for example states that: “we have no liability for any loss, damage, or misappropriation of Your Files under any circumstances or for any consequences related to changes, restrictions, suspensions, or termination of the Services or the Agreement”. This puts all users at a risk of their data potentially being breached.

However, being diligent about your online security habits is the basis of ensuring safe cloud storage. Practising good security online will reduce the risk of your cloud accounts being compromised. Changing your account passwords frequently is fundamental in maintaining an impenetrable account.

Software and hardware are only as secure as the environment it is hosted in. Choosing your cloud storage host correctly should give you assurance in knowing that they have put controls in place to ensure your data has not been tampered with and that they are prepared for the latest malicious attacks.