Is online storage truly secure?
How to evaluate Internet backup options
So online storage (a.k.a. Internet backup) sounds like a really good idea – store a copy of all your important files on a remote server so they can be accessed from anywhere, and recover them after a system crash. But how secure is it?
That's the question most discriminating computer users are asking, and for good reason. If your important files are going to be stored on a remote online storage system, you're going to want to know that no one else but you and your authorized colleagues and personnel can access them. If you can access the files stored using Internet backup from any computer anywhere in the world, what kind of confidence can you have that no one else can do the same thing?
As it turns out, lots of confidence! Online storage is remarkably secure, so long as you select the right company to serve your Internet backup needs. Which brings up the next question: how can you best evaluate online storage options?
To simplify the process for you as much as possible, we've outlined the features that make Internet backup so secure and therefore the features you should look for when evaluating the security of your online storage options.
Digital Encryption: This is one of the first lines of defense you have against someone raiding the files you've stored using Internet backup. The best data encryption happens on transmission between your system and the online storage servers. There should be further encryption once the files are uploaded onto the Internet backup servers themselves. The best online storage providers let you pick your own private encryption key that even the Internet backup company's personnel doesn't even know.
Shared (or Private) SSL Certificate: SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, and it provides extra assurance that your online storage has the utmost in security, with state of the art encryption technologies.
Redundant Backups: That is "backups of backups." Choose an online storage company that makes a backup of its backup of your files for the ultimate in data protection.
IT: There should be IT personnel monitoring the online storage systems just as vigilantly as the facility in which those systems are stored are protected. Speaking of which...
Secure Data Center: The above-mentioned security protocols protect only the software running the system where your online storage is kept. But protection from hackers is only part of the security issue. You also want to be assured security from natural disasters and from physical invasion. The data center is where the Internet backup company stores your files.
Internet backup protection from natural disasters includes:
- raised floors (for protection from flooding)
- smoke and fire detection and suppression systems
- climate controlled environment (i.e. HVAC air conditioning systems)
- redundant power supply (so if one goes out, another takes it place, preventing outages and downtime) in the form of multiple uninterrupted power supplies with backup diesel generators
Online storage protection from physical invasion includes:
- secure entry using biometric systems and manned points-of-entry
- cages around all servers and other important hardware
The marvel of online storage is that it provides your files with the security and protection they need, to keep them from loss or harm. And that provides you with peace of mind –protection for all your important files are only an Internet backup away.
View our list of the Top Online Backup Providers