SAFE place online to store files and photos/photo files (Flash, crash)
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I have no problem storing certain things in the cloud but I don't care how well encrypted they claim to be your stuff is still out there and lets face it, nothing is 100% safe once it's out there. For my highly sensitive data I store in encrypted files on a USB flash. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I've been researching a lot about encryption lately and have even posted questions here on CD and other forums. It seems most agree that no matter what someone may actually find that 0.0001 percent chance of a vulnerability and flip the script on you. Am I wrong?
When used effectively, encryption is one of the best ways to secure your information. But as with anything else, there are no absolutes. You can use one of the best encryption algorithms, but if you leave the key laying around, it's still useless. So no, you are not wrong. However, the bottom line is that there is no such thing as 100% security. Especially when you have multiple parts in play.
Is putting your sensitive data on a USB more secure than putting it on a cloud drive (or vice versa)? Probably not if the data was first encrypted before being placed in those places. But where is the key? and what about backup? Service providers have mature continuity/DR plans. What happens if that USB is dropped into a cup of coffee? How are you accessing that data? If your computer is compromised, then that data will likely be exposed when you access those files from said computer (be it on the USB or the cloud provider).
I have no problem storing certain things in the cloud but I don't care how well encrypted they claim to be your stuff is still out there and lets face it, nothing is 100% safe once it's out there. For my highly sensitive data I store in encrypted files on a USB flash. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I've been researching a lot about encryption lately and have even posted questions here on CD and other forums. It seems most agree that no matter what someone may actually find that 0.0001 percent chance of a vulnerability and flip the script on you. Am I wrong?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tek_Freek
Where do you store that encrypted USB drive?
Quote:
Originally Posted by gouligann
Well there's a darned good question. At least I don't have it in my computer room.
Any idea where IS a good place? (I'm assuming you mean the external hard drive?)
My bad I was asking someone else.
Not in the same location (house) as the original. In case of theft or fire you could lose both.
Actually I have more than one USB backup and I can't tell you where they are....LOL.
From some of the replies you guys make a pretty good case for cloud storage.
When used effectively, encryption is one of the best ways to secure your information. But as with anything else, there are no absolutes. You can use one of the best encryption algorithms, but if you leave the key laying around, it's still useless. So no, you are not wrong. However, the bottom line is that there is no such thing as 100% security. Especially when you have multiple parts in play.
Is putting your sensitive data on a USB more secure than putting it on a cloud drive (or vice versa)? Probably not if the data was first encrypted before being placed in those places. But where is the key? and what about backup? Service providers have mature continuity/DR plans. What happens if that USB is dropped into a cup of coffee? How are you accessing that data? If your computer is compromised, then that data will likely be exposed when you access those files from said computer (be it on the USB or the cloud provider).
Like I told Tel_Freek I do have more than one USB backup but some of your replies are actually making me re-think the cloud option as well.
Everyone here is going to have their own personal favorite, my suggestion to you is whatever article you read make sure it's not more than one year old...
So after checking these out does anyone have any preferences to these or other cloud services. I would really appreciate recommendations and personal experiences.
I have been using Crashplan (Code42) for 3 years as of tomorrow.
I've had to restore from the servers for myself and clients. The download speed is not super fast, but most aren't. Customer service has been exceptional. I've never had a glitch. I pay $50/year for unlimited data storage and I am currently at 1.1TB backed up.
I can easily recommend this company.
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