In 2020, with the mass transition of organizations to remote working, the demand for cloud storage grew. Clouds are convenient because they provide access to files and programs from any device connected to the Internet and offer opportunities for real-time collaboration on projects. However, the security of file storage in cloud storage is closely linked to the level of protection provided by the service itself, and its importance should not be underestimated in favor of convenience.
In this article, we will look at secure and confidential cloud storage services that are popular among users:
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a unified file application for the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem that easily integrates with Office, Teams, SharePoint, and Windows. It allows you to store and protect your files, access them on all your devices from anywhere in the world, and share files uploaded to the cloud with friends, customers, clients, and, of course, colleagues.
With OneDrive, you can easily configure access to the files and folders in your storage. Access can be personal, available only to you, or public, open to any Internet user. OneDrive supports two-factor authentication. As the next stage of authentication, the service offers:
- Call to your smartphone;
- Message;
- Confirmation via mobile device.
Microsoft OneDrive for iOS or Android supports cryptographic protection of your information, which is useful in situations where your device has been lost or stolen.
In addition, the Personal Vault feature allows you to upload particularly valuable data to a locked block in your account. To gain legitimate access to such data, you will need to undergo additional authentication. Other security tools offered by Microsoft include encryption and malware scanning. If viruses or ransomware are detected, you will receive a notification.
In addition, OneDrive allows you to set passwords for shared access to files and folders and limit the duration of public links.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud service with integrated artificial intelligence. The storage infrastructure is scalable. This means that Google Drive is suitable for organizations of any size, with the potential for team growth. Today, the service allows company employees to work together from anywhere in the world, while providing access to stored files remains simple and fast. Built-in AI makes it possible to quickly generate summaries of long documents and greatly simplifies file searches.
Note: You can access Google Drive through a web browser by visiting drive.google.com. Simply log in to your Google account to access your storage. This method is convenient if you are using a shared or public computer and do not want to install the Google Drive application.
Google Drive supports the ability to grant access via a hyperlink. All Google services run on infrastructure controlled by the company itself. Data centers ensure the security of your information. Data transfer is protected by HTTPS and TLS protocols, and a multi-level security system significantly reduces the risk of your files and documents being compromised.
Google Drive supports multi-factor authentication. You can verify your identity via SMS, smartphone notification, or a physical key. You can obtain a physical key by registering for a special additional protection program designed for media workers, entrepreneurs, authors, government officials, and people in other professions whose data may be particularly valuable. Registration for the program is free, but you will need to purchase the physical key.
Google will not grant government agencies access to your data if the request is formulated incorrectly or in violation of any regulations.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a popular file hosting service operated by the American company Dropbox, Inc.
Dropbox’s multi-layered security system reduces the risk of your files being leaked at every stage of use. User files in this storage system are divided into blocks and encrypted. These blocks are then uploaded to servers without metadata, providing an additional level of security. Any changes or deletions to files are logged and saved. You can restore files for up to one month after any changes have been made, as well as after deletion. For users with a paid subscription, files can be restored for up to 180 days.
If the data uploaded to the cloud is necessary for legal proceedings or is the subject of a dispute, the service may extend the storage period.
Dropbox supports two-factor authentication. During the confirmation stage of authentication, the service may request a six-digit code or the use of a USB key that supports the FIDO Universal Second Factor protocol.
Note: Dropbox claims that it does not sell user data for commercial purposes. However, some of the information may be used by company employees to improve the quality of services provided.
In conclusion
There is no universal cloud storage that can be called the best. When choosing the right option, it is important to consider the individual needs and tasks of each user or organization.
Services and users are equally responsible for the security of stored data. To reduce the risk of sensitive information leaks, you can follow these recommendations.
- Create strong passwords — do not use simple and repetitive ones. It is best to come up with a password consisting of numbers, special characters, and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Always use multi-factor authentication.
- If possible, make backup copies of files uploaded to cloud services.
