Cloud Storage is one of the most prominent cloud solutions in the market today. Over the years, it has become tightly integrated into various desktop and mobile operating systems. Users all over the globe usually have been syncing more and more of their data to and from the cloud, including documents, photos, videos, music, even passwords, and more.
Although cloud storage offers many benefits, such as data access anytime and anywhere, there are also security risks associated with it. For instance, hackers can open backdoors to gain access to your files anytime and anywhere.
So, let’s avoid such a risky situation following the tips to secure cloud storage below:
USE ONLY STRONG PASSWORDS AND ACTIVATE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Creating a strong password is a standard and always your first line of defense in securing your cloud storage. Strong passwords are long and unique, which means that they can be difficult to remember. For this, you may use password managers.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a recently introduced system that helps in securing data online. Through 2FA, outsiders cannot access your cloud storage files even if they have cracked your username or password. This is because 2FA requires a code sent explicitly to you.
TAKE THE TIME TO AUDIT ALL YOUR FILE AND FOLDER SHARES
One highlight of cloud storage is that it allows for easy sharing of files. However, it also poses potential risks. For instance, if other people aside from those you have authorized gain access when they find the link, or they have access to the accounts of the people you shared your files with. You can address this issue by adding passwords and expiry dates to your file and folder shares.
Also, it’s recommended that you regularly audit the current active shares on your account. Keep the access to ‘read-only’ and change to ‘edit’ access only if the files need editing by another trusted party.
CLEAR YOUR DELETED FILES
Cloud storage services usually have a recycle bin where your deleted files are stored for a few days or weeks for cases that you want to retrieve them. It’s a feature that is very helpful, especially if your account is accidentally or intentionally wiped. In case of sensitive files, it’s best to completely delete them there and then instead of being moved to the recycle bin. To do this, you may look into the delete setting of your cloud storage services and check whether the files are truly gone from your storage.
CHECK APPS AND ACCOUNTS CONNECTED TO YOUR CLOUD STORAGE ACCOUNT
Say you have created a strong password and activated the 2FA for your account, completely closing the ‘front door’ to the hackers. But what you don’t know is that the same hackers can also gain access to your account by using the ‘side windows’ through apps and accounts connected to you. For instance, calendar and email apps. Close the side windows by regularly checking if there are third-party apps that have access to your cloud storage. Remove those that you are not actively using, and remember to be wary when connecting to third-party services next time.
TURN ON YOUR ACCOUNT ALERTS FOR SECURE CLOUD STORAGE
For any recent activity with your account, you can always count on the alerts sent by your cloud storage services. These alerts include activity inside your accounts, new shares created, files or folders removed, and more. It’s a very convenient feature. However, remember that you will have to turn it on to make it work.
These are just a few ways to secure cloud storage. For more information about cloud or data security, check us out at ITUNeed or visit our website on https://www.ituneed.com/.