In current years, online digital data backup has attained new levels through the introduction of “cloud” computing. With this method, information is saved on several, networkedservers where it can be obtained via Internet. The “cloud” is a symbol for the Internet, generally used in computer network charts , that represents the vast online structure. Cloud computing suggests a safe and easily accessible method of data storage; however, there is reason to doubt the service. In contrast to USB devices safely protected with USB encryption, cloud computing is intangible: users have to depend on cloud computing service providers, external computer servers, and Internet capacity. As cloud computing is speedily gaining prominence, it is critical to completely comprehend the technological innovations and its hazards. A recent password failure at Dropbox, a cloud storage site, stresses possible cloud computing problems. Three major risks linked with cloud computing include: privateness, undefined data location, and reliance on Internet connection.
Absolutely no software applications or individual storage gadgets are required with cloud processing. Individuals can access their cloud-stored information with any type of Internet based device, such as pcs, and mobile phones. Cloud computing is fundamentally as simple as registering with a cloud computing service, receiving a password to an individual cloud account, and adding information to the cloud. Unfortunately, its simplicity is also its weak spot.
Privacy is the very first key threat of cloud computing. A substantial amount of trust is placed into the cloud and those who operate it. Since users are only left with a security password and a promise of security, the remainder is up in the air, literally. Data bounces between multiple servers operated by cloud providers who have access to client info, encryption keys, and stored data. This system makes privateness and the second major risk, data location , crucial points of consideration . Cloud providers store user info on quite a few servers situated globally . The actual storage area for info is not exposed to users. Location and security go hand in hand; not knowing where data is saved produces uneasiness about data security. Lastly, cloud-stored info is only obtainable by means of the Internet. If the Net were to fall short for any reason, information would be entirely unreachable. This is where individual USB’s perform as a more secure alternative: if info is stored on an protected flash drive , aspects including privacy, data placement , and Internet malfunction will never hinder data retrieval .
Data is relatively prone to intrusion due to the associated risks with cloud computing. The online system at Dropbox endured a major setback during the week of June 20th, 2011. Due to a defect, visitors were able to access user accounts with any security password. As a result, customer accounts were left susceptible to attack for several hours on end. Users of Dropbox are supplied a password to their account instead of a hard to remember encryption key. Despite the fact that it is much easier for users to recall straightforward passwords, devoid of encryption keys, they do not have total command of their information. Dropbox has access to user encryption keys, putting the majority of management in the hands of the organization rather than the customer.
As long as Internet connection is accessible, cloud computing is a good option for storing and retrieving data. . However, relying absolutely on the “cloud” for storing info and data backups is not completely trustworthy: control is not solely in the hands of the customer. People should not have to fear about whether or not their information is adequately stored with the cloud. Storing information on a personal USB drive that employs USB encryption, such as the LOK-IT Secure Flash Drive, erases all probability. Encrypted flash drives offer safety and the guarantee that data will always be in the hands of the individual, and not drifting through our on-line world.
I am a an expert in hardware encryption, especially USB encryption and encrypted flash drives