Strong passwords follow simple rules: mix characters and punctuation, use alternate combinations from site to site, don’t share with others, etc. However, while these guidelines act as a proper foundation, they’re increasingly inadequate as technology advances. In many instances, a strong password is no longer enough. This trend applies in particular to the growing field of online file storage.
Whether e-shopping or storing documents in the cloud, strength is crucial. Beyond basic variation and safekeeping, consumers and businesses alike need to equip themselves with additional digital security measures. When using the cloud, it’s important to encrypt your data with a unique password that’s still easy to remember while also considering the vulnerabilities of your chosen platform.
You’re only as safe as your last password. However, when it comes to cloud storage, safety is equally influenced by the specific service. This means that even the strongest combinations are susceptible to theft if the platform itself is fraught. To choose the right provider with optimal password protection, consider these two tips.
Tip One: Look for Client-Side Encryption
Encryption is a necessity, if you want to reassure your files are being sufficiently protected in the cloud. Oftentimes, though, online storage providers don’t take the same approach to data security. Up to this moment there have been very few that try to solve file safety concerns with end-to-end encryption. Nevertheless, this method has proven to contain considerable drawbacks as well.
When it comes to cloud storage, end-to-end encryption can too often negate even the strongest of passwords, as it only protects files during transfer to a server. This leaves your password recoverable, puts your data at risk and leaves your safety reliant upon the platform ability to remain secure and trustworthy. Does that mean that there is no safe way to keep your files in the cloud? Definitely not!
Unlike end-to-end, client-side encryption can be considered as a reliable solution. This method, like the name implies, performs all data protection processes on your device, before any transfer operations occur. The encryption key stays completely private, as you have the opportunity to insert a strong personally created passphrase. This reassures file security both in terms of the information being stored (file type, name and contents) and the passcode necessary to access encrypted files. Just as adding punctuation can increase the reliability of a password, client-side encryption inflates security when storing important data on the cloud.
Tip Two: Only Encrypt Data with a Password if Necessary
With its affordable prices and growing space, you can store nearly everything in the cloud. However, encryption should be used with discretion. Some files, like medical documents and financial statements, are sensitive and require proper encryption methods to prevent hacking or data breaches. However, for items that aren’t as delicate, such as family photos or recipes, additional levels of protection are unnecessary. Previewing and streaming encrypted files requires more technical effort, and sharing and collaborating on encrypted files is more complicated, too.
For an effective cloud storage experience, encrypt data only when necessary. In the same way that you should save your best passwords for the most important needs (this helps passwords maintain uniqueness and memorability), not all files warrant the same protection. By reserving encryption capabilities and prioritizing the data that demands security most, you can develop a better overall online storage strategy.
Whether you want to admit it or not, we’ve all broken the basic rules of cybersecurity. With the increased stakes of digital information and the efficiency of hackers, cloud storage no longer allows for these same breaches in security. Partnering with the right provider is the smartest way to protect your data, moving from simple passwords to a dependable platform. Because while simple might be easy, easy hardly means secure.[su_box title=”About Tunio Zafer” style=”noise” box_color=”#336588″]
Tunio Zafer is the CEO of cloud storage platform pCloud. As a leader and manager in the cloud storage space, Tunio promotes innovation in areas such as security measures and cost to end users. Tunio encourages forward-thinking throughout his team, working toward making a significant impact on the rapidly growing IT market, for individuals and business alike.[/su_box]
Tunio Zafer, CEO at pCloud
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