Today we are going to talk about cloud storage. More and more people are looking to cloud storage to keep their files safe. There are a ton of file storage options out there including Drop Box, Sky Drive, Sugar Sync and more. These services are great for sharing pictures and some files that do not have any personal information in them. In addition, you should never rely on just cloud storage to save your files. We have seen companies go under or even be shut down by the government for various reasons. In most cases if this happens, you will never get access to your files or pictures.
One of the biggest security concerns is a hacker getting into the database and gaining access to personal information. If all you save are family pictures then you probably will be fine. Just remember to have an offsite back up as well. If you store files with information from critical sources like Quick Books or other database information on customers or clients, you could be asking for trouble. Always try to store this information on a back up CD or hard drive and keep the back up off site if possible. A safe deposit box is a good choice. This is especially true when storing sensitive information. In addition, running the syncing programs that come bundled with the cloud storage can often times slow down your computer tremendously. A good example of this is Carbonite. I have seen many computers come to a crawl when Carbonite is running.
There is a story going around about a guy who was banned from using Sky Drive because of not following the EULA of the site. Microsoft support apparently told him he was banned because of the type of files that he was uploading to the site. Apparently your files are monitored and looked at by these cloud storage venders for content. That is another reason I stress not to use these services for important or sensitive information.
As you can see making a backup of your cloud storage is just as important as making a back up of your local computer. One good idea for security is to purchase a good, heavy fireproof safe. Being waterproof would be an added bonus. Install the safe in a hard to get at place in your home. A backroom closet or a small storage area under your steps would be a great place. In addition to the safe, install a good quality lock and deadbolt on the door going to the closet. Here you can store your backup external drives, flash drives and CD’s. This is an excellent way to help keep your sensitive data safe and secure.
One way that cloud storage can be great is to share your family pictures with other devices. Foe example, you can save your pictures from your phone, upload them to the cloud and then download them to your computer. It is a quick and easy way to share your photos among devices. Your Kindle has been using this technology for some time. When you purchase a book on Amazon, your book is transferred to your account and then it is downloaded to your Kindle. All the books you purchase remain on the Amazon cloud storage so you can re-download in the event you purchase a new Kindle or you want to download them to your phone or another device by using an available APP.
As you can see, if your careful about what you store online, cloud storage can be useful. Just do not rely on it as a major backup.
Author: Joe Zelenak, Staff Writer
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