5 Features to Look for in the Best Cloud Storage

Cloud storage solutions are invaluable if you want to keep your personal devices clutter-free and your files safe from preventable loss. There are some safety concerns that come with this software, too, however.

If you intend to rely on cloud storage services to keep your small business or personal and private files secure, there are five key features that should be at the top of your priority list.

These features will improve the security of your files, make it easier to share information while retaining privacy for the rest of your account, and generally provide a more seamless experience.

5 Key Cloud Storage Features to Ensure Security

Cyber-crime is very much on the rise, and that makes protecting your personal information and files online ever more important. As well as taking personal security measures in your password choices and PC security, choosing the right cloud storage account can be incredibly helpful.

Whether you are choosing a free account, or paying for specialist features and increased storage limits your cloud storage, the most secure cloud storage accounts should have the following five features to keep your data and files safe:

1)    Secure Log-In Options

Every cloud storage platform and provider will have secure log-in systems that require a username and password, but experience shows that these security systems can be hacked. As such, you should look for cloud services that include two-factor authentication (2FA) or single sign-on (SSO) features. Ideally, you should have the option of both.

Two-factor authentication methods will link your account with either a secondary email account or a mobile number to create a secure, two-step login process. Single sign-on features allow you to use the same login credentials across multiple platforms. While this may seem insecure, it is actually a risk mitigation factor, because it prevents third-party sites from storing your sign-in information.

2)    Security Certifications

Any reputable cloud storage provider should be fully compliant with one or more security regulation bodies. Some of the regulations that you should use as security litmus tests include GDPR, SOC 2, HIPPA, and ISO27001, as well as EU-US Privacy Shield.

Each of these regulations is designed to ensure confidentiality and data security in the areas that they are in force. An international provider should be compliant with all security regulations in countries where its services are available.

3)    Rollback Syncing

If you use your cloud storage to edit and update documents, it is ideal to have a rollback syncing feature that allows you to return to previous versions of a document. As well as being convenient in the event of errors, this feature can potentially save documents in instances where the newest version becomes corrupted.

4)    Advanced Threat Protection

While your devices should have virus and malware protection themselves, investing in a cloud storage account that has advanced threat protection features is a good idea. These features scan files and documents for potential risk factors, and alert you if there is the likelihood of security threats or malicious software tagging along with a document you are uploading or downloading.

This simple feature could save you a lot of trouble if someone sends you a document that is infected with some kind of malware or Trojan software. Certain cloud systems can also quarantine at risk documents to give you time to investigate and assess the risks.

5)    Encrypted File Sharing

One of the most common uses for cloud storage services is the sharing of files. Whether this is a private individual sharing a family photo or a business creating a collaborative file for a project, being able to share data and files securely is important. Encrypted file sharing ensures that no one can intercept and access files as they are being transported from one place to the next.

For example, WhatsApp is a common messaging platform that uses encryption to protect the messages users send and retrieve. While the software used by cloud storage providers is slightly different, the concept is the same. You can even choose a provider that allows you to password protect shared documents. This will ensure that the information is secure on any device.

These five features will provide you with a safer space for your sensitive and important files, while also giving you peace of mind. As a secondary concern, try to research your cloud storage provider’s reputation and customer service record. In the event that you have issues, it is important that you can contact them easily.