Data is important. It holds a record of your previous activities and history of your business. However, there’s a possibility that you could lose some of those valuable files someday. Hence, industries and private users buy numerous storage devices to save those documents.
However, storing data in these units is also prone to data loss. Let me give you a situation wherein you can lose data, even if you already saved them on your storage device.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York. This natural catastrophe brought death to many people. Apart from that, many survivors, including small-time business owners, lost their homes and livelihoods. They lost all of their possessions, including furniture, computers, phones, storage units, etc.
For this reason, people found out that saving files on these devices wouldn’t save this data. Thus, companies, such as Microsoft and Google, created virtual data storage where users can save, modify, and backup data via the Internet. This method of saving documents is cloud storage.
There are many reasons why businesses use cloud storage, but there are also reasons why some people still use the old way of storing data. In this article, you will learn some of these things, as well as how to keep your files safe in the cloud.
Why Companies Hire Cloud Storage Companies
There are several reasons why businesses are looking for the best cloud storage companies. For one, this virtual storage keeps your data safe from accidental and catastrophic damages. Even if your computer or hard drive crashes or you lose your Internet connection, or your establishment is affected by a natural catastrophe, all the files stored in the cloud will stay safe and intact.
Another reason is the availability of the service. Cloud storage providers are open 24/7. Since cloud companies are internet-based, users can access their data anytime they want. All they need is an Internet connection to access their files.
Thirdly, they will never have to worry about data loss. Once they store documents in the cloud, the data will always be there, even if you can’t see it on the monitor. Hence, if you lose a valuable file on your computer’s hard drive, you just need to open your cloud storage account, search for the data you’ve been looking for, and retrieve it.
Lastly, it allows you to save space in the office. Companies hire a warehouse or get an extra room to keep documents and storage devices filled with valuable information. However, if your business is small, or you’re just starting a new company, obviously, getting a storeroom is not a feasible solution. If you hire a cloud storage company, you don’t need to do such things. The cloud provides a big data storage where users can save crucial files; hence, allowing you to save, not only space but money too.
However, you need to have an Internet connection to access the data. Nonetheless, you don’t need to learn the hard way to operate this storage. Cloud storage corporations have made the interface easy to use so that everyone can take advantage of it. So if you know how to browse the Internet, you can save and retrieve files without a problem.
Common Issues With Cloud Storage
While getting a cloud storage service is a good solution when it comes to your backup and storage needs, this method is still not perfect. There are some hidden issues associated with cloud storage that providers don’t tell their users. If these problems occur, it could give you a headache, especially if you’re trying to retrieve your files.
There are two common issues associated with cloud storage. One is the possibility of going out of business. Services that offer cloud storage are also businesses. They rely on revenues to keep their business running. However, if the cloud storage company doesn’t have enough users, there’s a chance of closing down the business, and your files are at risk of data loss.
Another issue is security. No matter what other people say about a particular cloud storage business, there’s still no guarantee that your files are safe and secure. After all, cloud storage solutions are run by people. If the service provider is not careful in handling critical data, it can compromise your valuable files. Either they accidentally leak your business’ information on the Internet, or someone goes through your account and steals your data without the company’s knowledge or your permission.
How to Keep Your Files Safe With Cloud Storage
Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with these issues every time you use a cloud service. There are many things that you can do to keep your data safe in the cloud. Here are some tips for keeping your files safe while storing them in the cloud.
- Choose a reliable service provider.
If you want to ensure the safety of your documents and other valuable data, you have to choose the best cloud storage companies. These firms have been using and implementing security measures to keep their customers’ data safe and secure. Moreover, they have a better reputation than others when it comes to data security.
For instance, Dropbox, a well-known cloud service provider, fails to give a robust, secured measure in keeping their consumers’ file safe. SpiderOak, which is a less popular cloud service, has a good security status over the years. In other words, popularity doesn’t guarantee you that your files are safe if you choose a well-known cloud provider.
There are two things you need to consider when choosing a cloud storage service provider. First, you must search for a service that has a zero-knowledge backup. This feature implements a strict security measure that prohibits anyone, including the company’s employees to access the data.
Lastly, you need to look for an encryption feature. When uploading files to the cloud, make sure that the company encrypts the data before and during transmission. This method strengthens data protection that even the most advanced computers can’t break into the cloud storage.
Both SpiderOak and Backblaze meet these standards of securing data. SpiderOak offers a file syncing tool, while Backblaze provides an unlimited backup storage space. Go to their websites or read some reviews of cloud storage companies to find out which cloud service fits your needs.
- Encrypt the files before uploading.
Whether you hire the largest cloud storage company or a newly established cloud service, you have no choice but to put your trust in them. Even if they tell you that they are one of the leading cloud service providers and promise to give you the best protection for your data, you still have to trust them whether their claims are true or not. However, if you still have some doubts with the service, you can encrypt your documents yourself before uploading them.
There are websites specifically made for encrypting files. You just have to visit these sites and start encrypting your data.
If you do this, you know that your files are now encrypted. Moreover, you’re the only person who has an encryption key. So if you’re keeping some confidential files, and someone tells you to give them all your data, the only thing that the person will see is encrypted codes.
- Backup your backup files.
No matter how strong the security is, or how many measures you take to keep your data protected, there’s still a risk involved in saving valuable files online. Natural calamities can damage data centers, and hackers can get through the cloud storage site and shut it down. Thus, you have to keep more than one backup.
Store a set of backup files in the cloud and another set on the external drive. The chances of losing the data on both backup devices are low. Hence, it not only provides maximum security, but it saves a lot of money in the pocket.
Data loss is the last thing you want to happen as it could mean the end of your business. However, you can’t control the future. Hence, it’s essential to backup your files.
There are several ways to backup your data. Some people are using storage devices, such as flash drives and CDs to save files. However, they are prone to flash floods and fire damages, which can also lead to data loss. For this reason, several companies are now using cloud storage.
Cloud storage is a virtual data storage that lets you save, modify, edit, and backup critical files on the Internet. With this service, you don’t have to worry about losing your data or renting a warehouse to store storage equipment. Through a third-party server, you can store a bunch of data in the cloud.
However, cloud services are not perfect. There are issues associated with these companies, such as security and the possibility of going out of business. To keep your files safe in the cloud, you have to encrypt your data, backup your backups, and read reviews of cloud storage companies.
There are several websites and online forums dedicated to providing cloud storage reviews. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, authentic review, then you should go to the CrowdReviews’ website. With this site, you’ll get to choose a service provider that is perfect for your business’ needs.
Jeev Trika
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