Cloud and Privacy: What You Need to Know

Cloud computing explained

Cloud computing means your data and applications are stored on remote servers rather than on your local device. Popular services such as Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox and OneDrive all use the cloud.

Privacy risks

When you use the cloud, you entrust your data to a third-party company. The risks include unauthorized access by the provider's employees, government requests for access to your data, data leaks caused by security flaws, and analysis of your files by algorithms.

More private solutions

For more privacy-friendly cloud storage, consider services with end-to-end encryption such as Sync.com or Tresorit, or host your own with Nextcloud. Encrypt your sensitive files before uploading them to the cloud.

The cloud is just someone else's computer. Choose carefully who you trust with your data.

Best practices

Use two-factor authentication on all your cloud accounts, turn on encryption where available, be selective about what you store in the cloud, and keep local backups of your important files.