Cloud security 2022: 5 secure cloud storage solutions on the market

Cloud storage is convenient and cost-effective, giving users the ability to access and share files from any location. 

However, with these benefits also come risks. Users of cloud storage are subject to the threat of cyber-attacks. As such, it is essential to ensure your cloud storage is secure. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cloud storage solution, including reliability, security, and ease of use.

What can cloud storage do for you?

Cloud computing is key to embracing the digital age – particularly as businesses embrace remote and hybrid work, and employees need to access data from various locations. 

Cloud storage is a type of storage where data is stored on remote servers rather than on a local device. Cloud storage offers an affordable, reliable, and flexible solution for businesses that need to store large amounts of data.

Benefits of cloud storage:

• backup data
• access data from multiple devices
• accessible from any location with an internet connection
• share files with others
• encrypted data for extra security

Choosing a secure cloud storage solution

The first step is to understand what you need from your cloud storage. Are you looking for a place to store files, like photos and videos? Or are you looking for a place to store data, like databases and spreadsheets? Do you need to share your data with others?

It is also important to consider how much money you want to spend on your cloud storage. There are many different levels of pricing, depending on the provider you choose. You should also think about how much space you need on the cloud storage.

It’s also critical to understand what kind of security features your cloud storage offers. This includes features like encryption and password protection, as well as two-factor authentication and, in some cases, biometrics features, which can make it harder for hackers or unauthorised users to break past.

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive allows users to store files online, share photos, and even collaborate with others. It can be used to store files in the cloud, or users can choose to offload their files to a OneDrive Enterprise account. OneDrive also comes with online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint so you can do basic editing on files.

The security features that sets OneDrive apart from other services is its real-time protection. With Microsoft Information Protection, this feature enables users to protect files with a watermark. It also offers other security features, including real-time encryption.

Security features:

• Encryption: Microsoft OneDrive encrypts your data so it cannot be read by anyone who might come across it while it is in transit or at rest, even if they have access to the physical server.
• Data protection: prevents unauthorised access to your data by only allowing you and people you allow to view and edit files.
• Multi-factor authentication: add an extra layer of protection for your account by requiring a second code to log into your account.
• Transport Layer Security: used to secure web traffic and provides privacy for data exchanged on the internet.
• Location alert: Users receive an alert if a login is attempted from a new location or device.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a great cloud storage solution for bloggers and other online publishers. It also comes with real-time encryption and access controls. Furthermore, it has an extensive mobile app to do everything on the go, which can be downloaded and used on smartphones and tablets.

Security features:

• Encryption: Google Drive encrypts your data when it is being transferred and stored. However, Google can undo the encryption with encryption keys. This means your data could be accessed by unauthorised users.
• Transport Layer Security
• Multi-factor authentication

Dropbox

Dropbox can be used to share files with others, including files that are in PDF or DOCX formats. Furthermore, you can use Dropbox to access and store media files, such as photos and videos. 

However, Dropbox users are known to regularly face phishing and social engineering attacks as cybercriminals attempt to access their data. 

Security features:

• Encryption: Dropbox uses 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a type of symmetric-key cryptography that uses an algorithm.
• Transport Layer Security
• Location alert
• Multi-factor authentication

Zoolz

Backed by the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem, Zoolz Cloud Backup offers high-quality cloud storage. Its business plans support unlimited users, unlimited server backups, and unlimited external drive connections.

However, it does not offer live backup options, and is pricier than its competitors. Zoolz also does not offer multi-factor authentication, which has become a popular and reliable means of security.

Security features:

• Data centres: AWS provides the server infrastructure used by Zoolz, meaning high-quality protection and hardening against natural disasters.
• Privacy policies: Zoolz does collect some metadata on its users, but has a clear privacy policy that states it does not sell the information to anyone. Zoolz is also compliant with HIPAA and GDPR.
• 256-bit AES

Apple iCloud

Apple has made it easy for users to use their devices with features like auto-lock, remote access, and automatic backups. It also utilizes the privacy lock feature from iPhone and iPad that prevents others from accessing your device when you are not using it.

iCloud has been breached by outside sources, the most recent of which infected iOS devices and could record calls, messages, and emails.

Security features:

• 256-bit encryption
• Multi-factor authentication
• Transport Layer Security

Choosing the right cloud storage solution

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cloud storage solution for your business. 

The cloud specialists at Essential Tech can help you find the right cloud storage solution for your business and manage the services at an enterprise level.