Cloud Storage Safety
Whether you are super tech savvy or a computing novice, you have likely heard about the Cloud and all of its benefits. Cloud storage is one of the most popular computing services around, and it is easy to see why, as it allows you to access data anywhere and anytime as long as you have an Internet connection.
It provides a very useful service for the everyday user as well as businesses of all sizes. However, the Cloud is not without its faults. Cloud storage can be breached, and many people worry about the safety of their data.
This is a reasonable fear to have, but there are steps you can take to use the Cloud and remain safe. This article is a beginner’s guide to Cloud computing safety so you can enjoy its benefits without fear.
Research Your Options
The first thing you should do is research your options. There are many Cloud storage options on the market, and you need to pick one that best suits your needs. Research online, talk to friends, and read reviews of the different services to get a good idea of which ones are the most secure and easy to use.
After you do a bit of research, make a list of what services you expect from your cloud provider, and choose one that meets your criteria.
Always Back Up
A common mistake users make is putting too much faith in the Cloud and technology as a whole. From power cuts to cyber attacks, your data can be at risk from both minor and major incidents. The best way to protect yourself is to do local backups to external drives in addition to your Cloud backup. Make sure you have doubles of every single piece of data in case the worst happens.
Strong Passwords
Having a secure password might be obvious, but people tend to forget the correct method of creating strong passwords. Just relying on a password with caps and numbers simply isn’t enough anymore.
The key to staying safe while using the Cloud is to have multiple passwords and change them semi-regularly. It can be quite hard to remember multiple passwords, but apps such as Password Manager can help you stay on top of your multiple passwords. This method keeps hackers on their toes and your data safe and secure.
Have the Right Protection for Your Laptop/PC
As mentioned above, you can’t rely too much on the Cloud alone to protect your data. The increasing precision with which hackers can attack you online means that you should be protected on multiple fronts. That means you should download antivirus software on your laptop or PC and regularly update the software to stay on top of possible cyber attacks.
Avoid Storing Sensitive Material
The easiest and possibly the smartest way to protect your data online is to avoid storing sensitive material in the Cloud. Hackers can’t access sensitive material such as bank details, addresses, and identification if they are not stored there in the first place.
These simple steps can help you feel confident about taking advantage of Cloud convenience. And remember, even if you aren’t personally using Cloud storage, those who have your sensitive information, such as banks, medical facilities, and the government, do store it there. So, it is a good idea to see what kinds of protection these organizations employ to protect your information.
~ Jessica Gust, Courtesy of Worldstart.com
[Editor’s note: If you need help setting up Cloud storage or an external backup system, Dr. Networking is here to help. As our customers know, we strongly recommend a good backup system to avoid disasters!]