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Cloud computing is on the rise, as it has become a virtual storage pace for millions of users around the globe. The number of cloud users increases every year and is expected to rise even further in the coming years. The cloud has become a place where all our data is stored so that it can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Now even our office documents, personal pictures, IDs and confidential papers are stored on the cloud over the internet. Since the information is stored virtually, security is a major concern for many users.
Even though there are many laws all over the world, none of them can be held legally binding over information that is virtual. Since information is stored over servers of one country and accessed elsewhere, no one can be sure what law to apply to this cross border flow of communication. However, there are some ways that cloud data can be protected by the users themselves.
- The simplest way to avoid sensitive data theft over the internet is to simply keep it off the internet. Users should avoid storing crucial documents and confidential data over the cloud unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Users should be very sure about the cloud service they choose. The user agreements should be read in detail to see what cloud service works best. The user agreements are mostly neglected by users as they tend to be boring, but chances are that they contain important information which may be crucial for cloud security later on.
- The passwords need to be very sound while storing data over the internet. Many people keep the same password for their emails, cloud, smartphones and other devices. This is a grave mistake as 90 percent of the passwords can be hacked within seconds. Users should not keep easy to create passwords and instead should opt for tricky and lengthy combination of numbers and words.
- Data should always be encrypted before storing it over the cloud. There are many products like Truecrypt and Privacydrive that allow users to encrypt their data. Users, before uploading their files on the cloud, can encrypt the files by using these software to create a password. The password protected files cannot be viewed without it. It is best to choose a provider that provides encryption and stores files in an encrypted manner so that they are not visible. Truecrypt is a software that takes time and is difficult to use but provides a much higher level of encryption and reliability to users. There is a choice of multiple algorithms in Truecrypt software.
- Users should avail encrypted cloud services, which provide built in encryption and decryption facility. Such services take care that files are encrypted on the user’s computer as well as on the cloud. This allows for minimum external access and greater protection of files.
To keep the data secure on the cloud and prevent it from easy access, users need to decide how confidential the information is and then choose a method of privacy. Paying for cloud protection is the most trusted way to keep it safe from access. However, any of the above mentioned methods can be used to keep cloud data safe.