Cloud Storage Security

I would like to take a second to explain more about cloud storage and the security of the cloud. When data is sent from your computer to your cloud storage provider (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive) the data is sent encrypted across the internet to keep it safe from unwanted eyes. But after the data is on the server at your cloud provider it’s not as safe as you think from wondering eyes.

Let me explain when your data is transmitted and stored at the cloud provider it is encrypted but all cloud storage providers have said they can decrypt all your files and can view them whenever they want in particularly if any law enforcement agency comes calling. While I understand the need for this to me this is not real encryption. Encryption to me means that no one can decrypt the data that’s why I prefer Spider Oak for cloud storage and backups.

SpiderOak

SpiderOak is an online backup and files hosting service like Carbonite that allows users to access, syntonize and share data using cloud-based services. SpiderOak is supported almost all platforms’ Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS

According to SpiderOak, the software uses encrypted cloud storage and client-side encryption key creation, so SpiderOak employees cannot access users’ information. SpiderOak distinguishes itself from its competition like Carbonite, Dropbox, and others because of its encryption technique. SpiderOak does not have a web interface you must use a client for syncing files and folders across multiple devices. Whistleblower Edward Snowden recommended SpiderOak over Dropbox, citing its better protection against government surveillance.

As secure as SpiderOak is I have tried it and it lacks many of the features that Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive have been known to have and be useful. While companies like Dropbox are focused on bringing you great new features SpiderOak is worried about giving you the most security or features that are the most secure. Unfortunately, sometimes you must sacrifice convenience for security.

takeaway

The big takeaway here is yes, your data is transferred securely to places like Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. But when the data is sitting on their servers it’s encrypted but not from the company employees seeing it if they want to for any number of reasons. This is not true encryption. Encryption means the only person who can see your data is you. While your data is secure it can still be read by other people if needed.

If you have additional questions contact us.