Whether you run a small business out of your living room or you simply want to keep a database of your family's private information handy, cloud storage allows easy access from any Wi-Fi port in the world. CloudTweaks released a set of metrics by which cloud security outperforms physical security, including access to easy encryption and backup services. However, this does not mean that a cloud storage unit can be used carelessly, and parents must take steps to ensure family data on the cloud cannot be hacked or accessed by a third party.
Be Aware Of Mobile Use
Since a cloud network can be accessed by any mobile phone anywhere in the world, the potential for a security breach remains high whenever mobile units become configured for access to the cloud. IdentityTheft 911 suggests that
some two billion dollars goes into data loss remediation as individuals and companies deal with theft resulting from unauthorized use of the cloud via mobile connection. A preventative measure would be to cut off all mobiles from cloud access, but this greatly limits your ability to access data. Instead, use a separate cloud account for mobile use so that you can better monitor authorized (and unauthorized) use from family
smart phones.
Encrypt Everything
In the same way that you can keep someone from reading a letter if you use a code, you can keep cloud data more secure by using an encryption protocol. This works by scrambling up numbers and letters so that it makes no sense to anyone attempting to hack into the network. Google announced they would auto-encrypt their cloud storage data in response to the NSA scandals earlier this year, as Mashable reports. While some services provide automatic encryption, many others do not. You can find both free and paid encryption services to better protect your data.
Make Good Passwords
Any password can be hacked, regardless of its length or complexity. StopTheHacker reports that a lowercase password only six letters long can be hacked in ten minutes. The bad news is that this accounts for the vast majority of passwords. The good news is that by adding two upper-case letters and a number, that figure spikes to over forty thousand years. Make passwords a complex blend of letters, numbers, and characters so that brute-force hacks fail.
You can prevent ID theft proactively with strong passwords and by using monitoring services for your cloud data and financial information. These monitoring services give you twenty-four hour access to security assistance, along with active alerts for personal and financial data.
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Hacks, like many other crimes, tend to be instances of opportunity rather than planned-out attacks. You will be more likely to experience identity theft if you give out personal information than if you have a massive bank account hidden behind a strong security profile. Make sure kids do not give away
Social Security numbers, shred any credit card information after use, and be careful who you give your financial data to in the real and digital world.
