Online storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive are becoming increasingly popular because people want access to their files from all their devices without the hassle of manually transferring them. So, when you use an online storage service, you can easily sync your stored files in all of your devices automatically. Whether you want to access those files with your desktop or mobile devices, you just need to access them online. Another benefit is when you are working with your documents. By storing your files online, you will be able to edit and work on your documents from any of your devices.
It doesn’t stop there. Even if you don’t bring your devices with you, you can still access the files that you have stored in your online storage from any internet-connected device anywhere in the world. That’s the convenience of using an online file storage service. But, storing your files online can expose them to the risk of being hacked and stolen. So, you need to prevent any type of threats from accessing your online files. Here are some tips for storing your files online securely and privately:
1. Install VPN on All Synced Devices
Why should you install VPN on all synced devices? That’s because it will protect all the data transmissions between your local devices and the online storage. By protecting your network with a private connection, you won’t be concerned about some third parties trying to hijack the data transmission and steal some of your private information on the way.
By keeping all the devices in private connection, your data transmission will be free from any hackers or unscrupulous third parties trying to monitor and steal your data. It is a safety mechanism for all your network transmissions.
2. Don’t Access Your Files from Unencrypted Devices
If perchance you didn’t bring your device with you and you want to access your files from somewhere else, such as from an internet café or any other public places, you should ensure that the device is also encrypted. If the internet café or library forbids installing any new software, you can simply use an online proxy site to access your files via the web. Or, you can install a VPN extension on the browser that you use.
Don’t forget to use the private mode in your browser to ensure that your tracks are covered when someone else is using the same machine as you. And also, don’t forget to sign out from all of your accounts once done.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication System for Accessing Your Online Storage
If you want to keep all your files safe and secure in your online storage, be sure to use a password that is so complex that it is very difficult to crack using brute force. Use numbers, capital letters, small letters, symbols, and all combinations to make your password strong and difficult to crack.
Use a password manager software to store it in case you can’t remember it. Also, be sure to activate the two-factor authentication system to ensure that the access to your online storage is completely secure. This way, you need to confirm each login attempt to your online storage using another device or account that you have.
4. Only Use Highly Reputable Online Storage Services
There are many online storage services that are available on the market, and they offer various benefits to entice their users. Of course, you can pick one that you prefer, but be sure to pick the online storage that is highly reputable and widely known.
For instance, Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive might be a better solution for your online storage needs than any other service providers that you barely know or don’t have any known reputation in the market. This is because reputable online storage services will give more attention to your security and privacy, and they are more reliable in keeping your files safe and secure.
5. Upgrade Your Storage Plan for Better Security
Since there are many online storage services that offer their services for free with certain limitations, it is always good for you to use the free version of their services. However, consider the benefits when you are upgrading to their premium plans, which can give you better security and privacy. There are also more features to use in the premium plan when compared to the free plan.
Those are some tips for storing your files securely and privately. Be sure to keep your files private all the time and ensure all data transmissions to be performed with an encrypted network. This way, you will be able to keep your files safe and secure all the time.