9 Cloud Storage Tips for Privacy & Security
The time has come that everyone needs to know what Cloud Storage is and be introduced to 9 cloud storage tips to maintain your privacy and security for your data online.
Cloud Storage Defined
According to Investopedia Cloud Storage, “Cloud storage is a way for businesses and consumers to save data securely online so that it can be accessed anytime from any location and easily shared with those who are granted permission. Cloud storage also offers a way to back up data to facilitate recovery off-site.
Today, individuals have access to several free cloud computing services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box, which all come with upgraded subscription packages that offer larger storage sizes and additional cloud services.”
Cloud Security & Privacy Critical
Cloud storage is no longer in its innovative stages. It has progressed to where desktop and mobile operating systems depend on it. It is amazing the amount of data, photos, videos, documents, passwords, music, and more that is synced to and from the cloud.
While the benefits of being able to access your data anywhere and from any device are very attractive, what is not so attractive is that not so honest people are always trying to get at your online storage from a different device too. Your computer security is vital; your cloud storage must be private and secure. As a result, there are 9 tips you can use to do just that.
- Your Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication Must Be Strong.
Gone are the days that you can use a simple password for all your devices and accounts. Years ago you could get away with using short passwords, friend’s or family’s names, the word “password,” or other shortcuts that were acceptable back then.
Have you heard of 2FA? That is two-factor authentication. Also known as dual-factor authentication, 2FA gives you stronger protection because it allows you to use more than one way to verify that it is you trying to access your account. An example would be requiring a code be sent to your email address. You would have to enter the code before you could open your account.
- Review Your Files and Folders That You Share
Isn’t it wonderful that you can share your files and folders with other people like colleagues at work, your family or your friends? If you don’t review your files and folders on a regular basis, your security, including your privacy, could be jeopardized. We highly recommend that you don’t just blindly share your data with anyone; practice a little common sense. Some cloud websites will even allow you to add passwords and expiration dates to your shares.
- Get Rid of Your Recyclable Files
If you are with a cloud storage service, they probably have a recyclable bin of sorts. Don’t be a “pack rat” and throw files into the bin and forget them. It is to your benefit to check with that cloud storage facility to see what kind of options they have to ensure that when you delete something, it is going to be really gone.
- Close the Side and Back Doors to Your Data
So, you think you have done everything you can to protect your files and folders, and you have locked down your front door tight? This may not be the case. Another cloud storage tip is to check your connected apps and accounts. When I speak of “door” into your business, I am specifically referring to those unscrupulous people who may try to access your cloud storage through various other accounts you may have shared with other devices.
- Account Alerts Should Be Turned On
Most cloud storage services are looking out for your welfare and will have ways they can notify you about new activity on your account. It’s a good idea that you turn those on. You want to know if someone recently tried to sign in or tried to create, access, or remove files or folders.
- Disable Old Devices
It is not unusual for cloud storage services to let you sync files from multiple devices. If you upgrade your phone or switch jobs and use a new laptop, it’s critical that you properly disconnect and deactivate the old ones. You don’t want those old devices to fall into the wrong person’s hands that can gain access to your security and privacy.
- Enable Account Recovery Options
According to WIRED, “Your cloud storage account is only as secure as the weakest link attached to it, which means you need to keep the account recovery options as well protected as your login credentials.” Make sure that you know where and how to use account recovery options for your particular cloud storage company you are with.
- Log Out of Your Accounts
Raise your hand (no, not really) if you have left your computer thinking you will be back in a few minutes only to find that you have been gone for hours – or even worse, all night. Stop it, please. Make sure you log out of your accounts. This is especially important if you are using a shared computer.
- Don’t Forget to Protect Your Devices
What are you doing to keep your phones, laptops, and other devices where you use your cloud storage accounts safe from unauthorized access. If you don’t, someone could get straight into one of your accounts if they get physical access to your phone or laptop. You do not want that to happen.
If you are a senior, Megabite provides the most comprehensive system for providing remote tech support for you. If the above 9 tips are confusing to you, contact us now to get our senior support.
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Categorised in: Cloud Storage, Computer Security
This post was written by Megabite
