MARCH 24, 2023 – In a world that’s driven by information, cloud storage technology is making it easier than ever to store your files. With the ability to access your files from any device, anywhere in the world, cloud storage solutions are ideal for individuals and corporations alike. The only question that remains is whether it’s really secure to leave your precious files, photos and videos on a server that you have no control over. In this article we’re going to dive deeper into cloud storage technology to see whether it’s as secure as the providers claim.
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a service that allows you to store files remotely using the internet. Cloud storage services have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. As the internet becomes faster and more stable, the ability to store, access and use files from anywhere in the world has become central to the business world. Files stored using cloud services are maintained on remote internet-attached servers. That means you can access huge amounts of storage with just an internet connection and a simple device like a phone or laptop.
How Secure is Cloud Storage?
If cloud storage still relies on physical servers, you might be wondering how secure these systems really are. The simple reality is that cloud storage solutions are often far more secure than your personal devices or local storage servers. Modern computers are now so secure that most hackers don’t bother with trying to break into systems. Instead, they rely on things like phishing scams to obtain your passwords and steal your data. If passwords are your only form of protection, cloud storage providers offer far more security than your home systems.
The strength of cloud computing solutions is thanks to a variety of factors, such as:
- Enterprise-grade security measures – Cloud storage services are protected by multiple layers of enterprise-grade security. This includes password protection, two factor authentication, automatic security updates, data encryption and more.
- AI tools – Storage providers operate on a large scale. This allows them to access AI tools that aren’t available to the general public. These AI tools act as a continuous deterrent and can detect things like unusual activity, protecting your data from being compromised.
- Decentralised backups – You use cloud storage because it’s a convenient decentralised backup. Your provider also performs continuous backups to decentralised servers so that your data is always available in the event of emergencies or blackouts at one of their locations.
- Independent testing – Cloud computing providers rely on their ability to offer secure storage solutions. Data breaches do occur, and they can be seriously costly for the company. For that reason, providers often engage third parties to test their systems and identify any flaws. This promotes continuous improvement and ensures cloud storage providers have the best security measures available.
- Secure firewalls – Hardware and software firewalls are still some of the most effective security tools available. Cloud computing and storage providers also use these technologies, but they’re able to supply better protection with commercial-grade systems.
Flexible Access Controls
Beyond basic security measures, cloud storage providers offer additional security through their access control models. These features often don’t apply to home users, but they’re an important addition for large companies where employees share files over the cloud. The two most common and secure types of access controls are:
- Role Based Access Controls (RBAC) – RBAC protocols allow access by role. This typically means that access is assigned based on things like your department, physical location, seniority level or work duties. RBAC is a simple way of controlling access to files, but the system scales poorly for large organisations that need hundreds or thousands of roles.
- Attribute Based Access Controls (ABAC) – ABAC protocols allow access based on the attributes attached to the user, the device and/or the files being accessed. ABAC systems are more complex, but they allow for finer control and greater security, especially in larger organisations with lots of employees and multiple locations.
The best cloud storage providers offer both access control models and the flexibility for each enterprise to choose the system that works best for their needs.
Secure Cloud Storage in the Military
If you still aren’t convinced that cloud storage is a secure solution, you might be interested to know that many global militaries rely on the technology. What’s more, many military-grade cloud storage solutions rely on the same systems as home users, with Microsoft being one of the most popular providers.
Cloud storage has become an increasingly important part of modern military capabilities. Most weapons systems and warfighters now rely on data to execute successful missions. Capturing that data is simple enough, but storing and sharing it between end-users is a major challenge. Cloud storage makes it simple to capture, review and share large amounts of data between deployed fighters, decision makers and remote assets such as naval fleets. The seamless integration of information is backed up by military-grade security measures that protect the data from being stolen, corrupted or diluted by enemy combatants. Cloud storage solutions are now so ubiquitous that they’re even accessible from the most remote locations in the world. That means fighters aren’t required to carry physical servers while on deployment, further protecting information from being disrupted.