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5 Necessary Features for Secure Cloud Storage

secure cloud storage

If you’re storing files in the cloud, then you need to ensure that they are safe and secure. This is especially true if you’re using secure cloud storage for business operations. Fortunately, there are several secure cloud storage platforms that protect your files using a variety of features. Whether you’re using storage that’s unlimited, free, or something in-between, you need to make sure your platform uses the following features to ensure file security. 

5 Must-Have Features for the Best Secure Cloud Storage

In this article, we will cover the following secure cloud storage features: login security, privacy settings, security certification, encryption, and threat detection. Before choosing a cloud storage platform, you should make sure it includes all five features to ensure that your uploads remain safe.

1. Secure Login

two-factor authentication example using mobile device

All cloud storage apps include password protection for your account. However, passwords can be hacked or leaked. As such, the best secure cloud storage includes additional protections on your account to ensure that nobody but you can access your files.

Most platforms include two-factor authentication (2FA) to address this need for extra security. With 2FA, you must provide two or more pieces of evidence to authenticate your identity and access your account. This usually involves providing both a password and a security code from a phone number or email address. 2FA guarantees that nobody can just guess your password to hack into your account.

Many secure cloud storage apps include single sign-on (SSO) that lets you use the same login credentials for multiple platforms. This not only saves time, but also mitigates risk because third-party sites don’t store your sign-in information. User passwords are not stored or managed externally. You can use platforms like Okta and Azure to login to your cloud storage platform with the same sign-in you use for other apps.

2. Privacy Protections

Cloud storage platforms also include privacy settings on your files and folders so you can set who can access them. Most software will let you set files and folders to public, private, or accessible by certain individuals or teams. This is especially useful when using cloud sharing for work or other group projects. Privacy settings make it easy to share your files while still guaranteeing security.

Other privacy settings include the ability to self-destruct files. This setting further ensures that nobody apart from the intended recipient can later access your information. For example, on the platform Droplr, you can set files to automatically self-destruct after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, or a custom amount of time. Sharing confidential information has never been easier and safer!

3. Security Certification

security certification symbol

Before selecting a cloud sharing platform, you should make sure they are certified under or fully comply with various security regulations. Examples of these regulations include GDPR, SOC 2, EU-US Privacy Shield, HIPPA, and ISO270001. These provisions ensure that your data is protected and confidential. The other features on this list are what make a platform eligible for certification. So, if you’re looking for a quick overview of  a platform’s security features, you should always first check if they’re compliant with security regulations.

4. Encrypted Sharing

Data encryption is necessary to store and share files securely. Encryption ensures that nobody can intercept your file when it is sent to your intended recipient. SSL/TLS data transfer encrypts your files when you share them so they cannot be accessed until they reach their destination. Make sure that your cloud storage platform uses end-to-end encryption so there is never a moment when your files aren’t protected.

Some platforms, such as Box, let you let you set and manage your own data encryption keys. This encryption key is what is used to encrypt your file. This means that Box can never see or access your content, since you (or your organization) are the only one in control of your keys. In turn, only a person with the same key can decrypt the file and access it, further keeping your files safe from outside use.

5. Advanced Threat Detection

threat detection pop-up on a website

Advanced threat detection is any service that audits your files and detects any potential threats. Threat detection can let you know if a sensitive file is lacking necessary privacy protections. For example, Droplr’s security portal assesses the risk of all of your files and alerts you if any are rated as high-risk. It can also provide an audit of a team or organization account so admins can see how safe each employee is being with their files. Threat detection services save you time by alerting you to potential issues before they erupt and auditing your safety practices for you.

Picking the Best Secure Cloud Storage

Now that you know what to look for, how do you choose the best secure cloud storage for your needs? We’re here to help. You can check out our articles on the best cloud storage for unlimited use and best free cloud storage, both which feature platforms with professional security features. You can also read up on Droplr, the most secure cloud storage at the lowest price. Be sure to check out each platform to ensure it includes the security features you need. 

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