How safe is it to store your data in cloud storage?

There is something frightening about having our most valuable files stored on some servers, called cloud storage, scattered all over the world. Known instances where people's sensitive personal information ends up freely available on the Internet only add to our fears. Despite the fact that cloud repositories use the most reliable and up-to-date technology, problems do happen. Human impact: malice, mistakes or carelessness, that's where the stumbling block is.

If any cloud storage doesn't inspire confidence in you, never put your personal data on it. Even though it's a great way to store information, it's better to be on the safe side. This is especially true for individuals. After all, when your personal information or, even worse, your intimate photos or videos get on the net, there is no going back.

The good news is that the method of solving the problem is known. You will need some tools, such as: a good VPN and password manager, and understanding where you can and can’t post personal information.

It must be said that the risks of losing personal data from cloud services are relatively low. For the bulk of the data we produce, protection in the cloud is more than sufficient. Nevertheless, it is better to be aware of potential risks in advance. Everyone can and should take some individual protection measures to prevent hacking and identity theft.

The rule of large numbers on the Internet states that anything can happen. We just have to make sure it doesn't happen to us.

Password hackingThis is the most common way to steal data from cloud services. Password hacking can also be a threat to all other online services and accounts, including banking.

Hacking can occur through phishing, direct fraud, or infecting your device.

Insecure serversIt is exceptionally difficult to hack into a server if it is well made. There are so many security methods and security protocols that it would be an incredible success for someone to find a bug that could lead to a serious leak. In addition, cloud providers usually financially reward those who find a vulnerability or bug. This often results in the hacker joining the ranks of security experts.

One has to know that in most cases, insecure servers for users are created deliberately from the beginning. These fake cloud servers are created by criminal syndicates with a clear desire to collect the information you place on them. It's only when you realize that your data is being misused that you'll know where you've ended up.

To prevent such situations, you should only use reputable and reliable cloud service providers, rather than grabbing the first online offerings from companies with no history or trustworthy reputation.

Risks can also arise from a user's fault if we leave our devices without VPN protection and do not use anti-virus software. If user errors only pose a threat to the user alone, flaws or negligence in the work of company specialists usually affect entire clusters of data that were under their control.

Remember that we have to worry about our own cybersecurity. First, there are ways to protect our passwords and devices so that hackers and intruders cannot access our devices and our cloud storage. Second, we need to remember firmly which of our data should not even be anywhere near the Internet, let alone placed in cloud storage.

For the technical part of the task, it's best to use a VPN router that automatically protects every device in your house, and also the devices of any of your guests. The combined use of a good password manager, anti-virus, and VPN router will protect all your devices securely.

Some things you shouldn't send to cloud storageYou can probably guess what type of data we're talking about. Anything intimate and confidential that is exclusively for you and the few people you choose to trust should be stored on a flash drive, disconnected from any device.

Private photos, videos or correspondence all fall into this category. Permanent access to this type of data is not required, so there's no reason to take any chances.

ConclusionCloud storage is generally safe, but it can create some problems that you can prevent.

You should only use reputable cloud storage providers that have a great track record and reputation.

Just a few of these simple steps will lead you to have your data protected everywhere.