So, you keep hearing and reading all the buzz about storing your data in "The Cloud" and synchronizing your data between your multiple devices such as work computer, home laptop, smart phone and tablet. However if you are like me you are concerned about privacy.
The fact is that storing your data in "the cloud" simply means that you are uploading it to someone else's server through the Internet. The main question is, does the admins or owners of that server have direct access to your data? In other words can they see your actual files and folders? Most tech people have probably heard of Dropbox, which is probably the most popular cloud file storage solution to date. As far as privacy goes however Dropbox recently amended their TOS to say if a legal request is presented they will give up your data to the authorities. I have no problem with law enforcement, however that statement shows that your data is indeed accessible by someone other than you. Bummer ... Even though it is encrypted on their server and your transmission is also encrypted, Dropbox simply knows the encryption key.
So what is the answer to true cloud encryption to the point where truly no one but you has the encryption key? It turns out it is possible to encrypt your data on your device and then transfer it to the cloud, while keeping the encryption key only in your possession. Another cloud storage company called SpiderOak uses what they like to call a "zero knowledge" system. In other words, you and only you have access to your data. Loose your password and kiss that data good bye! No recovery aside from a password hint that you can setup if you want to. They also work on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android and offer the first two gigs free. So if you are truly sensitive about security and privacy there is an answer for you. Just make sure you remember your password and pleeaaaseee don't make it something stupid like your kids names or your birthday. Please create a real password that cannot be guessed through a brute force number or dictionary attack. Otherwise this defies the purpose of the entire exercise. Oh, and don't write it on a piece of paper on your desk ... ;-)
So what is the answer to true cloud encryption to the point where truly no one but you has the encryption key? It turns out it is possible to encrypt your data on your device and then transfer it to the cloud, while keeping the encryption key only in your possession. Another cloud storage company called SpiderOak uses what they like to call a "zero knowledge" system. In other words, you and only you have access to your data. Loose your password and kiss that data good bye! No recovery aside from a password hint that you can setup if you want to. They also work on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android and offer the first two gigs free. So if you are truly sensitive about security and privacy there is an answer for you. Just make sure you remember your password and pleeaaaseee don't make it something stupid like your kids names or your birthday. Please create a real password that cannot be guessed through a brute force number or dictionary attack. Otherwise this defies the purpose of the entire exercise. Oh, and don't write it on a piece of paper on your desk ... ;-)
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