What Is The Cloud, Really? And How Do You Keep It Safe?
When people talk about “the cloud”, it can sound like some mysterious, magical place floating in the sky where your files, photos, and data live, but the truth is a lot more simple:
The cloud is just someone else's computer.
That’s right—when you upload your vacation photos to Google Photos or save a document in Microsoft OneDrive, you’re storing data on physical servers (computers) owned by companies like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft. These servers live in data centers around the world, maintained by teams of IT professionals and protected with industrial-grade security measures.
But while cloud providers do a lot to keep their infrastructure secure, you still play a big role in keeping your personal data safe in the cloud.
5 Ways to Stay Secure in the Cloud
Below are five ways any person or business can take control of their cloud security:
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Using the same password across different accounts is like having one key that unlocks your house, car, office, and mailbox. If it gets stolen, everything’s compromised. Use a password manager to create and store complex, unique passwords for each account.
2. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (also known as 2FA or MFA) adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they still need a second factor—like a code from your phone—to log in. Most major cloud services (like Google, Apple, and Microsoft) offer MFA. It only takes a minute to set up, and it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your data.
3. Know Your Provider
Stick with trusted, well-established cloud providers. Big names like Google, Apple, Microsoft, Dropbox, and Amazon have strong track records and invest heavily in security.
Be cautious of lesser-known services offering “too good to be true” deals. Not all cloud storage is created equal. Remember back to the core principle that "the cloud" is someone else's computer. If you don't trust them, don't give them your data.
4. Review Account Settings Regularly
Most cloud accounts give you tools to review where you’re logged in, what apps have access to your account, and more. Take a few minutes every few months to review those settings:
Remove old devices or apps you no longer use.
Check for unusual login activity.
Update recovery options (email, phone number).
Remember that any recovery option is a potential way to bypass the password, so ensure they are secure.
5. Back Up What Matters
Yes, the cloud is a backup—but having a second backup (like an external hard drive) for your most important files is smart. If something goes wrong—like a hacked account or deleted files—you’ll be glad you had another copy.
Why Cloud Security Matters More Than Ever
Cloud storage is deeply woven into our daily lives. Whether it’s your email, your photos, your taxes, or your kids’ schoolwork, chances are it’s floating around in the cloud somewhere. Security isn’t just for cybersecurity experts—it's for everyone.
That being said, if you have questions or need one of those cybersecurity experts, please reach out to our team at Element Technologies and we'll be happy to help.
Stay safe out there!