As more people and businesses are moving into the cloud, the issue of cloud security is raised in tandem.  Dropbox has recently admitted to a breach in their security, which led to their users receiving spam e-mails.  So they’ve beefed up their security efforts and will continue adding more security features to deflect future attacks.

But as a cloud user, how can I keep my files, username, and passwords safe from hackers?  Not that I’m harboring top secret government files, but still, I don’t think it would be good if people saw racy images of me – just kidding! Just wanted to get your undivided attention.

Now that I have it, here are a few tips of how you can keep your cloud storage safe.

Choose the right cloud

If you’re interested in using the cloud to store your files, at least select one that’s reputable.  Don’t go to Google and look for “free cloud storage,” as there’s a huge chance you’ll come across some shady services.  But there are plenty of reputable services you can try for free, storing your files and supporting access it on multiple devices.  If you’re interested in using the cloud but want to try before you buy, check out Box with 5GB of free storage, Dropbox with 2GB of free storage but you get 500MB free with every successful referral up to 18GB of free storage, and Google Drive offers 5GB of free storage.

Vigilant password protection

As we’ve said before, keeping your password strong and secure would help you deflect malicious attacks.  If you’re using multiple web services but only one password for all of them, it’s like an open invitation to be hacked.  And please, don’t use ‘password’ as your password, that’s just too easy.  Also, don’t use your birthday, social security number, your driver’s license number, or any number that can be easily obtained by just checking your identification card.  Use something that only you would know.  And don’t write your password on a piece of paper that you’d easily lose.  If you really have a hard time remembering multiple passwords and usernames, use a service like 1Password – it keeps your usernames and passwords for multiple accounts safe and secure.

Cloud security tools

If you’re a business wanting to put the fate of your operations in the cloud, better get a cloud security tool/service such as AppRiver, which offers SaaS-based e-mail and Web security tools that are subscription-based and include spam and virus protection, e-mail encryption and Web security, so all your company messages would be safe from prying eyes; the Barracuda Web Security Flex which offers malware protection, URL filtering and application control to networked, remote and mobile users via SaaS, gateways and agents; or something like Duo Security which offers Authentication-as-a- Service with two-factor authentication offering that uses a mobile device for the second factor.

Now that you have this information, go forth and enjoy the cloud!