Nowadays it is very common to store information in the cloud. We have at our disposal a wide range of possibilities in this regard. There are many types of platforms that allow us to create backup copies and save them on the network, upload files of all kinds to keep them always present and, ultimately, host our daily content.
However, the importance of security must also be taken into account. It is important that we preserve the data and have no problems that may compromise our privacy. Therefore in this article we will give a series of tips to host content in the cloud securely .
The great utility of cloud storage
First of all we want to mention the great utility of cloud storage . This type of services allows us to create backup copies of our devices and always have them available on the Internet. We can, for example, save all the images and videos of our mobile to free up space.
It is also very useful to have content always available. It is very common to need to access our files for work reasons, for example, from anywhere. Thanks to the cloud we can save all kinds of data there to be able to access from any device and anywhere. That brings great added value.
On the other hand, as we have already indicated, it can help to free up space . With the passage of time we can store a large number of files. We can save them on our computer, mobile device or an external hard drive, among other places. However, sometimes we will require more space. This means that a cloud service can be very useful to free up space and take advantage of other available resources.
How to use the cloud safely
Beyond the great utility of this type of services, the importance of using it safely must also be stressed. We do not want our data to be intercepted and end up in bad hands. Nor do we want them to be lost on the network and we run out of the content we were saving. Therefore it is interesting to take into account a series of basic tips that we want to mention to use cloud storage with total security.
Use strong passwords
The first thing is to always use passwords that are strong and complex . This is the first barrier to protect our accounts and records from potential intruders. It is vital that we use keys that contain letters (upper and lower case), numbers and other special symbols. All this randomly and with an appropriate length. It is important that we avoid entering words or digits that relate to us.
A good idea to create passwords that meet the requirements we mention is to use password managers . Beyond allowing to manage these keys, they also offer us the opportunity to create them, in many cases. In this way we can significantly improve security in this type of services.
Two-step authentication
As a complement to passwords we can also use two-step authentication . This is something that is increasingly present on the different platforms in the network. As we know, this means that to enter our account a possible intruder will not only need the password, but that second step will be necessary, which may be, for example, a code received by SMS.
It is undoubtedly something that we must take into account and that greatly helps to protect our accounts. It is vital to use it whenever possible and thus add an extra layer of security to keep potential intruders at bay that can access the content we store in the cloud.
Encrypt the files we upload
We can upload all kinds of files and data to the cloud. Some can be confidential . In these cases it will be necessary to take additional precautions. We can make use of other tools that allow encrypting those files. This way we can upload them to the cloud and make sure that nobody can intercept that content and be able to read it.
We have at our disposal many tools that allow you to encrypt files. It is something that we can apply in any type of device and operating system. It is always advisable to take extra precautions when we are going to store content that can be sensitive and contain personal data, for example.
Keep tools updated
Normally cloud storage platforms will have applications for both computer and mobile devices. In any case, there may always be vulnerabilities that may put the content we have saved at risk. Security flaws that can be exploited by hackers to attack.
Therefore it is important to always keep these tools up to date. Normally it is the developers themselves who release security patches and updates. In this way we can correct those problems that may compromise our personal information. It is very important to always apply this, regardless of the type of device or system we are using.
Use only official and reliable services
In the same way we recommend using only services that are official . Sometimes we can find the possibility of installing an application that is not official but has different add-ons added. This could put our security at risk.
We also advise using services that are reliable. There are many options on the network and it is worth taking some time to analyze the encryption they use, for example. It is important that we do not use any program that we find without first analyzing its operation. Otherwise we could compromise the files and personal information that we intend to keep on the network.
Configure security parameters
Many of these cloud storage platforms have different parameters within their configuration to improve security. It is interesting that we always keep this in mind as this will allow us to increase security and make fewer risks when using tools of this type.
Keep the system safe
On the other hand, it will also be vital to keep the systems we use safe . This means that we must have security tools. A good antivirus can prevent the entry of malware that affects the proper functioning of computers. There are many tools that we have at our disposal, both free and paid.
In order to keep systems secure it is also necessary to have the latest security patches and updates. In this way we can prevent the entry of threats that can take advantage of possible vulnerabilities.
In short, by following these tips we can improve security when using cloud storage platforms. We have already indicated the benefits of this type of services, but they can also pose a threat to our security if we do not take into account certain advice that we have mentioned. The objective will be to protect our privacy and thus prevent the entry of threats.
We leave you a list with the best cloud storage services . A selection of some of the most interesting options that we can find for free on the net.