Cloud services have become a popular data storage option for small businesses. They offer economical solutions for data storage and their popularity means there are plenty of alternatives.
However, a problem with cloud storage is the apparent lack of security. To counter this, a number of businesses have begun offering encryption-based cloud storage services. Here are the 7 most popular encrypted cloud storage services on the market.
7 Cloud Storage Services Which Offer Encryption
Google Drive
Google has been plagued by privacy and security threats for a while now. Last year, a major hack took place and over 5 million Gmail accounts were compromised. This happened despite the rather extensive encryption and security options the company provides by default. Nevertheless, Google Drive is still one of the most popular cloud storage options on the market.
A major reason for Google’s continued popularity despite major security compromises, is its adaptability. While it has retained its single account access paradigm, which is considered a major weak point, it implements HTTPS Everywhere.
This means that all of its services get the standard SSL encryption along with the usual two-factor authentication for user verification. In addition, all data transits also get SSL encryption. According to some reports, there are some undisclosed ‘internal measures’ that Google has adopted to ensure user data privacy.
Dropbox
Dropbox is another very well-known cloud storage service. And just like Google or any other big name in the market, it has suffered compromises. A major incident back in 2012 involved someone hacking the account of a Dropbox employee.
This access allowed the hacker to see a number of email accounts, which were then spammed. While the data itself was not jeopardized, it still spurred the company to take effective measures.
At present, Dropbox has implemented two-factor authentication at user login. The company does not allow its employees to see the actual data, but the metadata is available to them. A few select employees might be allowed access for legal reasons, but data transfers carry an automatic SSL encryption and stored data is encrypted using AES-256 bit.
With Dropbox, users can delink any misplaced or stolen devices, and the paid Pro version also adds options for collaborative use permissions for account holders.
iCloud
Apple’s iCloud was at the center of a controversy a few years back where celebrity photos were stolen from the servers. However, the cloud itself was not compromised. Rather, the celebs fell victim to phishing attacks. In terms of security, iCloud has a pretty strong track record.
Like all major cloud storage services with encryption, it uses SSL encryption for data transits. A weak point in its security, however, is its use of AES-128 bit encryption for stationary data.
In contrast, the strong point of Apple iCloud encryption are the keys. The keys for accessing your data are created on your device. This means that Apple cannot access them in any way and thus, internal data compromise is eliminated. When accessing data from other Apple apps like Mail or Calendar, users make use of tokens. Further, they can turn on two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
OneDrive
Microsoft’s OneDrive is arguably the only major encrypted cloud service provider which has not suffered a security breach in its history. That does not necessarily put it ahead of the other major providers we have listed here. However, it does show that they have a fairly decent security protocol.
But unlike most other services listed here, Microsoft has rights to scan user content for ‘objectionable material’. This has made the service slightly unpopular but it still remains a major player here.
Like all other big companies, Microsoft offers SSL encryption for in-transit data on OneDrive. However, your data will not be encrypted when it is at rest unless you have a paid business account. This account will offer a rather robust encryption measure with individual file encryption with unique keys. In addition, the two-factor authentication at login provides further security to users.
SpiderOak
SpiderOak is a rapidly growing online cloud storage service provider with a strong user base. The company is most well-known for offering a zero-knowledge service. It accomplishes this by simply keeping stored data related information on the user’s device.
This offers better security to user data and with the in-transit encryption, data remains practically safe. It goes without saying that device-based metadata and accessing features make for much better security. But SpiderOak is not just meant for private users. It also offers some great enterprise-grade solutions.
For businesses, SpiderOak offers an even better solution by directly hosting the dedicated server at the office of the client. This ensures robust security without compromising data on any front. At present, SpiderOak does not offer the standard two-factor authentication, however, the infrastructure is being upgraded to include this facility as well.
Overall, SpiderOak offers some great features for both private users and businesses which make it a great encrypted cloud storage service provider.
Tresorit
Tresorit offers cloud storage solutions with rather high-quality encryption support. It is specially designed to support businesses and boasts of zero-knowledge encryption. Businesses can manage limited access approval to employees according to their requirements.
The service also carries two-factor authentication which can be used via call, text, email, and even Google Authenticator. This makes its overall security measures pretty robust and ensures that enterprises can keep sensitive data safe.
Among its many security features, Tresorit includes IP filtering, restricted device permissions list, and customized sharing and access options. All of these features are highly useful for businesses and offer entrepreneurs centralized authority over access permissions.
Another great feature is the automatic password reset, which is prompted after anyone’s access privileges are revoked. All of these features make Tresorit an ideal cloud storage service for businesses looking for high-quality solutions.
Sync
Sync is the most secure of all the lesser-known encrypted cloud storage service that we’ve mentioned here. Aside from offering zero-knowledge storage like the others, it boasts of AES-256 bit encryption. It is the only lesser-known company to offer this quality of encryption which makes it unique from the get-go. Aside from the high-grade encryption, it also uses a two-factor authentication.
Another very nifty feature in Sync is the use of selective access and authorization. This means that bigger businesses or those working with remote employees can give selective access. This further reduces the chances of being subjected to data theft or other security breach.
All of these features have earned Sync a very strong client base which is growing steadily. If they continue to add to their encryption and security protocols, they will remain a premier alternative cloud storage option.
Conclusion
Cloud storage is a great idea which saves businesses a lot of time and money. It is also great for individual users who cannot afford to take up costly encryption software. The only problem that cloud storage has is multi-user access.
The seven cloud storage services we have mentioned here are among the best in the market at the moment. The more well-known names offer a standardized storage service which is great for all purposes. However, this does make them more susceptible to targeting by hackers.
On the other hand, the lesser-known encrypted cloud storage services offer unique solutions. These may, on balance, be better for businesses at different levels as well as users with specific requirements. If you want to take up the best-encrypted cloud storage services in the market, select the best suited to you from our list.