Contributed by Devin Smith
The use of cloud storage was made a reality when individuals and corporations urgently needed for instant real-time storage. Cloud storage was not taken seriously until individuals explored its possibilities, vulnerabilities and adopted it as a safe storage facility.
To confirm the scenario as mentioned earlier, 73 percent of companies were aligned and questioned. The questioning found all of the companies rely on at least one of the cloud storage applications.
The benefit of using such apps are exceptional because it allows accessing, saving and using information from anywhere. Also, the data can be accessed from anywhere in the world and can be restricted to a single use as well. This process allows motivation to increase among teammates and employees because data is shared instantly that enhances productivity.
In the current cyber state, keeping data protected and secure is a big challenge as hackers are always looking for ways to harvest user data that leads to blackmail and exploitation.
They mostly hunt for methods to access files in the cloud storage that creates disturbance in the performance of the cloud through (viruses, malware). Usually, it would take more than 191 days for a company to come across the issue and a further 66 days to compress and control it.
Among the multiple Cloud Storage available online, OneDrive and iCloud are the most common cloud solutions that host millions of users globally. But which cloud storage will keep your online privacy protected? To answer that we shall review which encryption and security these two offers.
Microsoft OneDrive – Security
OneDrive by Microsoft is a multinational company working as a leading tech giant having its roots in manufacturing, production and delivering high-end quality products and services. Among these services, “OneDrive” is a leading Cloud storage tool famous for offering useful features for online data protection.
Can you confirm if its encryption is safe to safeguard sensitive files? OneDrive cloud has a built-in SSL encryption tunnel that keeps all data safe in it. With that being said, a small conflict of encryption arises because your data saved on cloud storage will not be protected and encrypted until unless you are a business account holder.
This took us back, as a majority of the companies using OneDrive have a business account while small scale businesses use a free account that has a 5GB limit. Would a free account cloud service keep user information hidden and safe in their folders and files? That is not yet disclosed or tested, but users can make sure to keep a lookout on websites SSL certificate to protect their devices.
OneDrive includes a feature that syncs all the attachments in Outlook to the Cloud servers which is a cause of breach and security issue if the data being transferred has sensitive files. Business account holders will still benefit because the encryption used for their account, data and files are on a file-by-file basis which decreases the probability of a potential attack.
To be more firm about security, two-step verification needs to be manually activated in the settings as it is not turned on by default. All you need to do is sign up on the account from a different device or browser and Microsoft will send security code for verification. Enter the code, and your access will be granted.
Apple iCloud – Security
Apple is known to be a first-class brand that provides high-end products that boost user confidence. They offer products and services that have a niche in the market which make a difference in aiding users. Among its products they support and provide a famous cloud service namely “iCloud.” The cloud storage is a secure tool that has the ability to withstand cyber attacks at a certain extent.
Yet it falls prey to one or the other vulnerability like other cloud storage tools. Among the biggest cyber attacks faced by iCloud was where famous celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence and Kirsten Dunst whose privacy was invaded by a breach in their Apple accounts. Attacks as similar to this would cause serious damage to the property and sensitive files of the celebs that will evidently lead to a major lawsuit filed.
Multiple breaches have occurred in the past which have been fixed with new upgrades, and Apple takes serious countermeasures against these encryption flaws. To increase safety, they introduced a two-factor authentication just as OneDrive offers that sends a six-digit code every time you log in from a different browser or device.
Two-factor authentication is now a significant need because, without it, the security of any cloud storage or account would not be safe. Logging in to the account may take your time depending on your internet connection as the two-factor authentication follows a process. But hands down it is the best reliable option to keep files and data safe.
Two-factor authentication comes with a TLS/SSL and 128-bit AES encryption that is not as tough as the AES 256-Bit encryption. iCloud is developed to enhance and maximize the security of files being sent and received to minimize and remove the danger of unauthorized access.
They also include a “key chain” data protection which handles critical information of passwords and credit card details inclusive of messages and apps.
Conclusion
Many similarities and differences can be seen in both the Cloud storage platforms and iCloud encryption is dependent on the robust firewalls they provide.
On iCloud even if the data remains for an extended period, the data will remain safe and encrypted.
For business accounts, OneDrive is a better pick over iCloud as for the per-file security present that won’t affect all the files if one file gets corrupted.
Both services provide two-factor authentication, and iClouds keychain tool cannot be overlooked. It is hard to differ and chose between the two as both cloud platforms are a dire need.
We at CISO MAG are set to publish the Power List, a comprehensive publication which will explore critical areas of cloud security while elucidating best practices to adopt for securing the cloud space. Ahead of it, we are discussing several trends and vendors in the space while we tell you what differentiates each product from the rest.
The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of CISO MAG and CISO MAG does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
