The move towards cloud storage continues to grow each day, and with it so does the concern for the security of the data stored. Cloud storage services allow people to save data, even backup entire hard drives, on cloud storage servers. The files that users want to be stored in the cloud have to be passed to the servers through the internet, whether the user is saving them or accessing them for viewing. Though cloud storage services include a number of measures to ensure the safety and security of their user’s data; whenever an internet connection is involved in file transfer, security concerns can arise. Here is a breakdown of some of the steps taken by these services to ensure the security of data.
Transport Layer Security (TSL) Encryption
Transport Layer Security, or TSL, is a form of encryption used in online communications. As the industry standard for web communications, TSL is used by eCommerce websites, email services, financial institutions, and cloud storage providers. In order to create this encryption between one host and another, such as from your computer to a cloud server, cryptography is used to encrypt the data being sent. Each time data needs to be transmitted, both hosts perform a “handshake” to make sure all of the data is verified and secure.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
Before TSL encryption, the standard for encryption was SSL (Secure Socket Layer). SSL encryption is still considered a secure and safe way to transmit data; however, TSL is now the preferred method.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
The before mentioned encryption methods, TSL and SSL, deal with encrypting data during transfer. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), is used to encrypt data while it is being stored on a cloud server. This encryption method is the standard used by the U.S. government. When data is sent to a server it is encrypted with a single electronic key, the same key is used to decrypt the data when it needs to be accessed. The electronic key that is used can contain 128, 192, or 256 bits, though 256 bits is preferred for extra security.
Folder Permissions
One of the advantages drawing users towards cloud storage services is the ability to share data with other users. When you are sharing files and folders, you should make sure that folder permissions are set. Folder permissions let you decide who and what you want to share, as well as whether the other users can edit or delete specific files.
Password Protection
Password protection is a feature that every cloud storage service should offer. This will help prevent any unauthorized access to your account and data. When using a cloud storage service, be sure to use password protection in order to increase security.
The majority of cloud storage providers should have a number of security measures in place. By understanding these various security methods, you should be able to find a cloud storage service that offers a safe and secure way to store your data online.
