Cloud storage has enjoyed a huge increase in usage, with more Smartphone and computer users beginning to adopt this new form of storage. This storage model makes it possible to store digital data in logical pools, with the physical storage spanning multiple servers (and often locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.

Besides the obvious advantage of flexible data storage and data management, cloud storages also give users the ability to access their data anytime, anywhere over the internet. However, one major challenge faced by this form of storage is security issue which includes:

• Abuse of cloud service
• Loss of sensitive data
• Permanent data loss
• Violation of regulatory controls
• Malware infections
• Insider threat
• Hacked interfaces
• Hijacking of accounts

So whether using iCloud, Dropbox, or Mega, your storage platform or account can do with an extra layer of protection. Although it’s impossible to make them “hack proof,” Your cloud storage can be secured effectively if the right measures are implemented.

Here are some tips to help secure your data in cloud.

Have a Local Backup: This is one of the most important moves you can make while managing data. It is always a welcomed move to have an electronic copy of your data so as to enable you have access to them even when the original gets lost or corrupt.

You can also create these backups in some other cloud storage platforms or simply have it backed up manually on an external storage. Having both methods in place can help save you time in cases of slow internet connectivity.

Avoid Storing your Sensitive Info: In all honesty, there is no such thing as real privacy on the internet and this is becoming more evident with the rate of identity theft being recorded online. So, storing of crucial information like passwords, account details or credit/debit card information is a very bad idea and not recommended. Having these online can lead to a potential data leakage.

Only Use Services that Encrypt Data: For improved data privacy and security, you should be using a service that offers local encryption of your data. This encryption provides you with double security which means the files will have to be decrypted to gain access, helping to protect your data even from service providers and administrators.

Use Anti-Virus Software: The above mentioned tips will help secure your cloud storage, but in some cases the problem is not usually from your cloud security but the system you access your storage with. Hackers can have access to your cloud storage if your local system is not well protected.

Therefore, it is recommend that your use efficient anti-virus software to secure your systems from potential viruses.

Improve your Password: Yes, make it stronger! You have probably read this a lot, but it’s just the truth. You should learn to provide a very strong password that is not just so predictable. In addition to this, you should also endeavour to change your password frequently, and not share with anyone.

Cloud storage comes with a wide range of advantages. However, just like every other thing with an advantage, it has its disadvantages. And the security risk is just one of them. However, by implementing the right security measures, securing your data in the cloud should not be a huge task.