sterantotuck

There's something scary about the fact that our most valuable files are stored on some server called a word combination - cloud storage, scattered around the world. Known cases where people's confidential personal information is made freely available on the Internet only increase our fears. While cloud storage uses the most reliable and up-to-date technology, problems do occur. Human exposure: malice, mistakes, or carelessness is where the stumbling block lies. If you don't trust any cloud storage, never place your personal data in it. It may be a great way to store information, but it is better to be safe.

This is especially true for individuals.

After all, when your personal information or, worse, your intimate photos or videos get online, there's no going back. This "tastefully naked nature" that you sent to your soul mate may stay on the board of some forum forever. The good news is, the method of solving the problem is known. You will need some tools such as: using a good VPN and password manager, following the rules of personal cyber hygiene and understanding where you can and should not post personal information. Providers such as VeePN will help you with the essentials, the rest is up to you.

Cloud storage is an excellent technology

We must confirm that the technology behind cloud services is not fragile or unprotected. The servers that store this information are almost impossible to hack. Security protocols used by reputable services such as Google or Dropbox are first-class. But there is still a problem. Companies like Google have thousands of employees and many outsiders. Even with careful adherence to all security standards, there is always a chance that one of the professionals will make a mistake. Usually a malfunction is detected very quickly and the damage to people is not very great, but hardly any of us would want to be among the few people who are affected. Finally, the quality of any technology means nothing if there is a possibility of information leakage on your devices. Shortcomings in personal data protection are often a major cause of data theft from the cloud.

Reasons for the risk of identity theft from cloud storage

I must say that the risks of losing personal data from cloud services are relatively low. For the bulk of the data we produce, protection in the cloud is more than sufficient. However, it is better to know about potential risks in advance. Everyone can and should take some individual protection measures to prevent hacker attacks and identity theft. The rule of large numbers on the Internet states that anything can happen. We just need to do everything we can to prevent this from happening to us.

#1 Cracking the password

This is the most common way to steal data from cloud services. Cracking a password can also be a threat to all other online services and accounts, including bank accounts. Cracking can happen through phishing, direct fraud or by infecting your device. After the BNP Paribas bank detected such phishing attacks, most users rushed to use the VPN France server. However, wouldn't it have been better to do it in advance?

# 2 Unsecure servers

It is extremely difficult to hack a server if it is well-made. There are so many protection methods and security protocols that for someone it would be an incredible success to find a bug that could lead to a serious leak. Also, cloud service providers usually reward those who find a vulnerability or bug financially. This often results in a hacker becoming a security expert. It is important to know that in most cases, servers that are insecure for users are deliberately created by this from the very beginning.

These fake cloud servers are created by criminal syndicates with a clear desire to collect the information that you place on them. It is only when you realize that your data is being misused that you will know where you have gotten to. To prevent this from happening, you need to use only reputable and reliable cloud service providers, rather than grabbing the first online offerings from companies with no history and no reputation.

#3 The human factor

Even if you choose a reliable cloud storage provider, there is still a human factor risk of data loss. In 9 out of 10 cases, it is human error that causes problems. The service technician may get distracted, forget to reset the master password or connect unprotected devices to a closed server circuit. Even a short-term vulnerability can cause problems for someone. Risks can also arise through the user's fault when we leave our devices without VPN protection and do not use anti-virus software. If a user's mistakes threaten only one of them, the defects or negligence of the company's specialists usually affect the whole data clusters that were under their control.

What can we do for our own protection?

Solutions to protect against unforeseen cloud security problems can be divided into two parts: human and technical. You have to remember that we have to worry about our own cybersecurity. First, there are ways to protect our passwords and devices so that hackers and attackers cannot gain access to our devices and our cloud storage. Secondly, we need to keep a strong memory of what our data should not even be near the Internet, let alone placed in cloud storage. To solve the technical part of the problem, it's best to use a VPN router that automatically protects not only every device in your house but also the devices of any of your guests. The combined use of a good password manager, antivirus and VPN router will reliably protect all your devices.

Some things should not be sent to cloud storage

You can probably guess what type of data we're talking about. Anything intimate or confidential that is intended solely for you and the few people you trust should be stored on a flash drive disconnected from any device. Private photos, videos or correspondence all fall into this category. Permanent access to this type of data is not required, so there is no reason to take any chances.

Conclusion

Cloud storage is generally secure but can create some problems that you can prevent. You should only use reputable cloud storage providers with extensive experience and reputation. And you should not forget to protect all your devices with a premium VPN, such as VeePN, and a good antivirus program, and follow basic cyber hygiene. With just a few simple steps like this, your data will be protected everywhere.