Many individuals and even business organizations now store copies of their files online. If you still use USB drives, CDs and hard disks to keep copies and backups of your files, you should take time to familiarize yourself with the concept of cloud storage. Cloud storage service providers can provide you with a means of storing your files such as documents, photos, and music files as well as eBooks s online. If you are interested in giving cloud storage solutions a try, here are some of the things that you need to know about cloud storage services and why you should use the internet to store your files:
- Using Cloud Storage is a Convenient Way of Storing Your Files
Using cloud storage services is a better and more convenient way of storing and keeping backup copies of your files. If you have a cloud storage account, you do not need to rely on hardware such as CDs, hard disks and USB drives to keep and access copies of your files. In fact, you no longer need storage devices if you use cloud storage because you can easily store and access your files anywhere you want as long as you have access to the internet. You do not also have to go through the lengthy tasks of doing manual backups because cloud storage service companies provide you with an option to automate backups. You only need to assign a special folder in your computer to seamlessly store backups of your data in your cloud storage account. All the contents of this special folder can be automatically synced to your online storages you do not have to go through the hassles of doing manual backups.
- There are Security Risks Involved with Cloud Storage
A lot of people believe it is safe to store sensitive data online because cloud storage service companies have state of the art ways of encrypting files. Unfortunately, cloud storage service providers are not spared from hacking attacks. Dropbox, in particular, has been hacked more than once. It will be to your best interest not to upload your sensitive data online especially those that can compromise the security of your personal and financial information. You should avoid using cloud storage services to keep copies of your passwords, credit card accounts and online banking credentials to avoid big loss in case somebody managed to get through your account. You should also do your share in protecting your files from hackers and unauthorized users. You can do this by using a unique and hard to guess password that you have not recycled from RingCentral’s business phone service or other online accounts. You can also password protect your files using file compression tools before you upload them online so in case your account gets hacked, your files cannot be easily viewed and modified by hackers.
- You Do not Have to Pay to Use Cloud Storage Services
A lot of people are anxious to use cloud storage solutions because of the costs associated with using the service. Although cloud storage service providers may indeed charge you if you want to avail of more storage space, you can use cloud storage services without spending money. Providers such as Google Drive, Mega and Dropbox allocate a free storage allowance for their users so the latter do not have to pay when they do not exceed their online storage allocation. Mega.co.nz can provide you with up to 50 GB of free online storage allowance. This storage space is more than enough for you to store several copies of your photos and even movie length videos on the internet.