How do you keep your files safe and secure in the cloud?
We asked IT security experts and CEOs to share their best tips for this question. From encrypting your files, to enabling account alerts, to getting notified of new sign-ins, here are some practical tips to make sure your files in the cloud are protected.
Here are 11 tips from experts we interviewed to keep your files safe and secure in the cloud.
- Encrypt your files.
- Use strong passwords at all levels.
- Protect end-user devices.
- Avoid using the same password for many online accounts.
- Keep your device up to date.
- Use a modern password manager.
- Check your connected apps.
- Monitor files using drive permission auditing.
- Invest in an antimalware program.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Turn on account alerts for new sign-ins.
Encrypt files
The best tip for keeping your files safe in the cloud is to encrypt them. This ensures that even if your cloud server is hacked, hackers will not be able to access your data. Encryption is the process of converting readable data into an unreadable form.
A key is required to decrypt the data. A key can be a physical object such as a USB drive, or it can be a piece of software. There are many types of encryption, but the most common type is known as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES uses 128-bit keys. That means 2^128 possible keys. This number is so large that it is virtually impossible to force your way into the data. There are many ways to encrypt data, so you should do your research and choose the one that best suits your needs. However, if you want your files to be safe in the cloud, encrypt them before saving them to the cloud.
Magdalena Socha photo aid
Use strong passwords at all levels
The simplest answer is to set a strong password. Each character added to the password exponentially increases the time it takes the computer to figure it out. A 9-character password takes 3 weeks to figure out. Add one more letter and you get five years. If your cloud he provider offers multi-factor authentication, use it. If not, find another provider. Still worried about your files? The file itself can always be password protected. There are many compression programs that can compress groups of files and set a password on the resulting compressed file. This adds another layer of security — assuming you don’t use the same password.
peter robert Expert Computer Solution
Secure end-user device
One of the best tips for keeping your files safe in the cloud is making sure your end users’ devices are protected. This means you should set strong passwords on your devices and use up-to-date security software.
Additionally, you should also be careful about what you download and install on your device. Download apps only from trusted sources and always read permissions before installing anything. You can ensure your files are safe and secure in the cloud by following these simple steps.
Lorian Stridem Financier.com
Do not use the same password for many online accounts
Did you know that 90% of all passwords can be cracked within a minute? Passwords are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting access to company information. However, the world’s strongest protection becomes useless if a malicious actor gains access to your username and password.
In addition to choosing a secure and unique password, update it regularly and avoid using the same password for many online accounts. A secure password makes it harder for hackers to access your data and reduces the chances of unwanted compromises to the cloud.
Samantha Odo Precond
Keep your device up to date
Two-factor authentication is very annoying, but the decision to use it protects your files stored in the cloud. This alone won’t keep you safe, but it’s helpful to know that someone else can’t sneak into your account and download your information. Since two-factor authentication is now the standard protocol for most services, from email to storage, we expect cloud servers to use it as well.
Bruce Thassios Tashios Orthodontic
Use a modern password manager
not so when One of your accounts is compromised. Password managers help keep your accounts safe by allowing you to use strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely. Since you should require two-factor authentication whenever possible, consider looking for a password manager that includes this component.
Ben Travis Human Resources Manager
Check your connected apps
Hackers are always looking for new ways to circumvent account security, often using connected third-party apps to attempt hacks. To protect your files, you should regularly check which applications have access to your cloud storage. If you’re not using that app, delete it. It makes it much more difficult for hackers to use this strategy to access your valuable files.
Georgi Todorov Thrive My Way
Monitor files with Drive Permission Auditor
Our business uses Google Drive to store secure data. To keep these files safe, drive authority auditorThis allows you to monitor who can access your shared files in Google Drive and what level of permissions they have. This is a free addon and you can rest assured when it comes to safety. There are many add-ons that can be installed for other cloud drives. I think it’s important to use them as another layer of security.
luke smoothie Get It Made Co., Ltd.
Invest in an antimalware program
Investing in a robust antimalware system is the most common and easiest way to protect your files in the cloud. In fact, this is the first step anyone should take to protect their data. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert or an IT specialist. Your job is to find a trusted program, download it and run it on your device. The system regularly scans your computer, downloaded apps, all incoming files, and anything else passing through your network traffic. If your system or file is found to be infected, Anti-Malware will block it and allow it to be safely removed without collateral damage. You should always monitor which sites you visit and which files you download or receive from other users. It basically acts as your protector.
Nina Patzka resume now
Use two-factor authentication
Coming up with a hard-to-crack password is hard enough, but you can use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your files stored in the cloud. When you log in from your device, you will be prompted to allow access on known devices. This is typically done via email, text message to your phone, or a secure code from an authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator). You can usually enable two-factor authentication through your cloud service’s security and login settings. Turn it on now!
James Francis Mozillion
Enable account alerts for new sign-ins
One of the best ways to keep your files safe is to turn on account alerts. This means you’ll be notified of new activity happening in the cloud, such as new sign-ins, new shares, and folders created. This allows you to track who has access to your cloud. Not only can you spot unwanted access or visitors instantly, but you can take necessary steps to protect your files, keeping sensitive information out of harm’s way.
Jenna Nye in the strip