What is "The Cloud"?
People likely refer to 'the cloud' regularly in your world. But what does 'The Cloud' really mean, and how does it affect you and keeping your personal data secure?
It seems like only a short time ago when we always saved things directly to our desktop, a USB drive or even a hard or floppy disk (if you go further back to the inception of the personal computer, that is). In those days people worried about someone stealing their machine or having the computer crash. However, as time went on, data got 'heavier' and took up more room on these limited, physical spaces. The answer? The Cloud.
What is The Cloud?
The cloud should not be confused with the Internet or even the World Wide Web. The Internet is the electronic connection of all the computers joined together across the world, while the web is the software that runs on the Internet as a way of sharing information. In the simplest terms, the cloud offers a way to store and access data and programs over the Internet instead of on your computer's hard drive.
How do people use The Cloud?
Some examples of possible cloud-based software are things you may leverage in your daily life:
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- Streaming sites like Netflix or Hulu
- Online banking Applications
- Music streaming software or service such as iTunes
- Podcasts
- Audio Books such as Audible
- Online Storage Drives like Goodle Drive or Dropbox
- Social Media Applications such as Facebook and Twitter
- And more!
Advantages of The Cloud
There are many benefits of the cloud, as it has the potential to broaden horizons for businesses and for individuals. Being able to access important things on-the-go is very convenient in our modern world and it can be applied to a multitude of situations such as banking, healthcare, education, etc.
The cloud has already changed the educational world. Many higher education institutions realized long ago that leveraging cloud computing could offer students from around the globe the opportunity to take classes and even earn degrees online. For example, this type of convenient learning option could offer a working mother time to better her education but still have time to devote to her job and family.
Developing countries have been able to leverage cloud computing by bypassing the traditional, expensive technology infrastructure and using smart device technology. The healthcare industry has begun to adopt cloud technology to reduce operational costs with automation, while also creating a more secure environment for healthcare information to be stored.
These days, there is a doctor for everything: primary care, podiatrist, ENT, specialist, etc. Using the cloud, physicians have the ability to connect to shared networks with other physicians. Being able to share your healthcare history with each other quickly, with a click of the mouse, could be key to getting you the precise treatment you need in an emergency. Patient portals also allow you to keep track of all your healthcare information, from your lab work results to scheduling your appointments.
The possibilities are endless.
Common concerns about using cloud storage
There is a downside to the cloud too. You have to let go a little, and change isn't always easy. You are not in physical control of your files for file storage so you are trusting that the cloud provider will keep your data safe. There also can be some frustrating usage challenges sometimes, as with all technology. For example, if your Internet connection is poor or your cloud provider has a technical issue, you may not be able to access your information.
While all of these types of modern technological marvels can enrich our lives or create convenience, there are safety measures that should be practiced when using cloud solutions. When using cloud-based applications, your files are 'online', and therefore at risk for a breach. The data within those files can be very telling about who you are as an individual. In the wrong hands, it can be dangerous.
Safety measures to use when accessing cloud solutions:
Enable strong passwords
Don't use the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker gets one password, they can access all of your accounts if you are using the same one. Refrain from using passwords that are common knowledge to someone trolling your social media account such as the name of your children or pets. Instead of a word, use phrases with a mix of characters and numbers. Change your passwords often.
Use two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is using two different methods of confirming your identity when trying to login to your account. Some cloud solutions will require this automatically, while others you have to set up within your settings.
You may have seen this security method used more often lately by several companies who are taking extra security measures. For example, if you do your taxes online, the IRS website sends you a text when you try to login, even if you have correctly entered your username and password. Set up security questions that add an additional layer to securing your account from those that might be trying to steal your credentials to access private data.
Back everything up
This is simple to say and do, but it does take that extra effort to go the extra mile in our already busy lives, which is why so many people lose data when a computer crashes. In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use more than one cloud platform or leverage physical backup to a USB or second hard drive.
Take nothing for granted — always
No security is foolproof, and that rings true for the cloud too. Yes, there is a risk saving files to the cloud so you should consider which ones might be better saved locally to your drive. That said, with viruses and malware your entire personal computer is always at risk too. Cloud service organizations leverage heavy security and encryption to protect your data, but there is always a hacker that thinks they are up to the task of quite literally cracking the code.