The Importance of File Encryption During Uploading to Cloud Storage

File encryption has become the buzz word in the industry as cloud storage solutions like Box promise high security to prevent access to file contents and ensure clients’ privacy against the NSA. However, while most brag about the robustness of their security algorithms, not a peep has been said about their ability to encrypt files during uploading or transferring to the cloud. If you don’t see the harm in having no encryption during this stage, read on to change your mind.

Top Reasons Why Data in Transit Should Be Encrypted

There are numerous reasons why data on the move should receive as much security as that at rest and in use. Here are the top four.

Data Can Be Easily Intercepted During Transfer

Encryption is a must for data in motion because it can be intercepted on the way and viewed by anyone. There are many hacking tools available on the web and many are free. Therefore, there’s always a chance someone may get their hands on your data while you’re uploading it. To avoid having your secrets leaked, you should try getting a cloud solution that offers encryption to moving data.

Your Files Can Be Modified or Fabricated

Just think – if someone can eavesdrop on the data you’re uploading, doesn’t that mean that they can modify your data packets or fabricate a few incriminating files? Cyber criminals have the skill and resources to incriminate you or delete important files that you may need. Even if you aren’t a business owner, the idea of losing precious pictures or files you deem important can be devastating.

Security Threats Dissuade People from Pursuing Cloud Storage

Cloud storage users find it easier to share data with others availing the same service. However, if the latter deem cloud storage too risky, you may be burdened with extra work and costs to securely send your data. This also limits your quick collaboration capabilities since you won’t be able to work on the fly.

There is No Such Thing as Too Much Security

Just encrypting data in use and at rest isn’t sufficient. With hackers growing smarter by the day, chances are that your cloud solution’s encryption techniques are being uncovered as you read these lines. By ensuring multiple layers of security, your cloud storage company will be able to protect your data efficiently.

How Files in Motion are Encrypted

Now that you know about the importance of encrypting files while they’re being uploaded or transferred, you may be interested a little in discovering how this is done.

• Using 256 AES Encryption – This is what DrivePop Cloud Storage currently uses. The Advanced Encryption Standard, which is currently used by top governments including the U.S.’s, is one of the strongest file encryption methods. This is why it’s used to protect classified data. It is also hard to crack due to its large number of key combinations, which means that even the NSA itself will have a hard time getting to your data.
• IPsec VPN – Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) authenticates and encrypts IP packets during IP network sessions. It can be used to establish virtual private networks (VPNs), which authenticate, encrypt and encapsulate data for transport. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this method is quite low since configuring traffic policies at each end point or gateway is a must.
  See IPinator VPN if you are looking for a VPN IP service.
• Group Encryption Solution – Group encryption is the friendlier alternative to IPsec VPN. It distributes keys more efficiently, reducing configuration complexity and the limitations for multiple path encryption.

There are other methods used for encrypting files in transit, but these are the ones generating a buzz in the cloud storage industry.

So, don’t settle for just encrypting your data while in use or in storage. Protect it from prying eyes and thieving hackers by ensuring its encryption while it uploads or transfers.