Cloud storage has become an essential tool for individuals and businesses alike. The ability to store and access files from any device, anytime, anywhere, has revolutionized the way we work and store information. However, with the increasing concerns about privacy and data security, it is crucial to ensure that our files are protected with whatever cloud storage solution we choose. This is where end-to-end encrypted storage providers come into play. We take a look at how these work, what to look for and outline the best encrypted cloud storage providers.
Are you afraid of accidentally losing the data stored on your hard drive? Use end-to-end encrypted file storage
I have been in the unfortunate position of losing valuable data. If you’ve experienced that, you can empathize with the painful ordeal of trying to (un)successfully recover that important stuff. It also carries a lot of emotions. Our digital lives can represent memories like photos and videos, as well as important letters and financial and legal documents. Some will be lost forever, and those things that need replacing can take weeks to do. That’s why having a backup plan is important. And one of resource for backups these days is online cloud storage. They can act more than just backup, but also allow storage and convenient access to your files from anywhere. That’s great and all, but let’s not forget, these things you are storing are also sensitive and require securing. That’s where end-to-end encrypted file storage comes in. Encryption is still a crucial part of data protection, but it has involved a lot over the years. Let’s take a look….
What is end-to-end encryption in cloud storage?
End-to-end encryption, also referred to as E2EE, is a security measure that ensures that data is protected throughout its journey from the user’s device to the cloud storage server and vice versa. It means that the files are encrypted before they leave the device and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient or user.
How does end-to-end encryption work?
End-to-end encryption works by generating a unique encryption key on the user’s device. This key is used to encrypt the files before they are uploaded to the cloud storage provider’s server. The key is stored securely on the user’s device and is never transmitted to the cloud, ensuring that only the user has access to their files.
Is E2EE the same as zer-knowledge encryption?
End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge encryption are two different things. Zero-knowledge encryption ensures that only the user possesses the password, leaving no other means of accessing the data. On the other hand, E2E encryption secures all user data on the server, whereas ZKE encrypts messages sent to the server using the user’s private encryption key. E2EE protects all user data stored on the server, while ZKE focuses on encrypting messages sent to the server with the user’s private encryption key. Zero-knowledge encryption is often used interchangeably with end-to-end encryption and client-side encryption.
Why is end-to-end encryption important for cloud storage?
End-to-end encryption is important for cloud storage because it provides an additional layer of security. It ensures that even if the files are intercepted or accessed without authorization, they cannot be read or decrypted without the encryption key.
Which cloud storage providers offer end-to-end encryption?
There are several cloud storage providers that offer end-to-end encryption. Some of the best end-to-end encrypted cloud storage providers include Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. These providers prioritize user privacy and data security by implementing robust encryption measures.
What are the benefits of using encrypted cloud storage?
Using encrypted cloud storage offers a range of benefits, including:
How does encrypted cloud storage keep my files secure?
Encrypted cloud storage keeps your files secure by encrypting them before they leave your device. This means that even if the files are intercepted or accessed without authorization, they cannot be read or decrypted without the encryption key. Additionally, reputable encrypted cloud storage providers use industry-standard encryption algorithms to ensure the highest level of security.
Can I access my encrypted files from any device?
Yes, you can access your encrypted files from any device. As long as you have the necessary encryption key and the cloud storage provider’s app installed on your device, you can easily access and decrypt your files.
Are there any limitations to using encrypted cloud storage?
While encrypted cloud storage provides enhanced security, there are some limitations to consider. One limitation is that if you lose the encryption key, you may permanently lose access to your files, as the cloud storage provider cannot recover or reset the key. Another limitation is that encryption can slow down file upload and download speeds, especially for large files.
How do I choose the best end-to-end encrypted cloud storage provider?
When choosing the best end-to-end encrypted cloud storage provider, there are several factors to consider:
What features should I look for in an encrypted cloud storage provider?
When choosing an encrypted cloud storage provider, look for features such as strong encryption algorithms, secure data centers, two-factor authentication, and ease of use. Additionally, consider the storage capacity, pricing plans, and any additional features that may be offered, such as file sharing or collaboration tools.
Do all encrypted cloud storage providers offer the same level of security?
No, not all encrypted cloud storage providers offer the same level of security. It is important to research and choose a reputable provider that implements robust encryption measures and prioritizes user privacy.
Are there any trustworthy free end-to-end encrypted cloud storage options?
While many encrypted cloud storage providers offer free plans, it is essential to exercise caution. Some providers may offer limited storage space or fewer security features in their free plans. However, there are reputable providers that offer trustworthy free end-to-end encrypted cloud storage options, such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
What are the best end-to-end encrypted cloud storage services?
E2EE cloud storage has been a rapidly growing industry over the past couple of decades. There are even decent free options. But what is the best cloud storage with E2EE? As you do your research, you’ll find the usual suspects on most lists. And I can agree, the services you see most frequently are indeed solid options for secure cloud storage. One thing to weigh to remember in addition to the security and features, is the location of the provider since some countries are “less respectful” of people’s confidential information!
1. pCloud – Best overall balance of security and features
pCloud is one of the best-known E2EE cloud storage services with zero-knowledge. It’s based in Switzerland which, along with Germany, has some the most stringent privacy laws. It has a great value, lifetime plan for individuals but also families. Definitely worth checking out for longer-term savings! The features are solid, the security is top notch. And that’s why you’ll see it regularly featured among the top 5 best cloud storage services.
pCloud Score 9/10
2. IDrive – Most Features, Cheapest Plans
This E2EE Cloud Storage service is more like a cloud backup solution (similar to Blackblaze). But, it’s approach is hybrid and so it combines the idea of backup with file syncing and storage. It comes with a lot of features and has probably the cheapest monthly plans too- a great combo! iDrive’s data servers are located in the US and therefore fall under US law. This means that despite IDrive having a great privacy policy, it still falls under the Five Eyes Network.
This E2EE cloud service offers a unique feature: you can, at any time, request a hard copy of your data. IDrive will send you a hard drive once you have paid for it. You can use it to back up your data or restore it before returning it.
iDrive Score 9/10
3. Sync.com – Great All-Rounder
Sync, a cloud storage service based in Canada (another Five Eyes country), is among the most affordable. Sync also offers a zero-knowledge E2EE cloud storage service that is compliant with PIPEDA GDPR and HIPAA. Note that the E2EE feature was only available in paid plans.
Users who have large files can also benefit from Sync, since it has no file size limit or transfer limit.
Sync.com Score 9/10
4. SpiderOak – Emphasis on Security
SpiderOak is an awesome, incredibly secure service offering E2EE and zero-knowledge out of the box. In my experience, it is a little more cumbersome to setup and slower syncing, but it does have some decent features including file sharing, versioning and syncing of mapped drives. It’s prioritizes security and encryption. Even with some performance lags the vocal proponent of privacy and famous whistleblower, Edward Snowden, is a fan of SpiderOak!
SpiderOak Score 8/10
5. Internxt – Decentralized, Blockchain Option
Internxt is a brand-new cloud storage service provider that offers E2EE. The company was launched in Spain in 2020. The company promises that its cloud will protect users’ privacy better than any other cloud available. It does this by using a model of decentralized and distributed storage. It is one of only a few companies in the industry to use blockchain technology.
Internxt relies on traditional AES algorithms. These are open-source, so they can be modified or improved by users.
Internxt Score 7.5/10
6. MEGA – Solid with Free option
MEGA, like Internxt claims to be the “one company that promises to maintain privacy above all”. The company is based in New Zealand and offers E2EE accounts with zero knowledge for free as well as paid-for ones (which are also surprisingly affordable). Few companies offer E2EE cloud solutions that are free so MEGA differentiates itself with it’s free cloud storage.
MEGA Score 7.5/10
7. Icedrive – One to Watch
Icedrive is a cloud storage service that offers E2EE at a great price. It was founded in 2019 and its data servers are in Wales, UK. It does not employ the standard AES encryption, but instead uses the less-known Twofish algorithm.
Icedrive has three major drawbacks: the data transfer will limit upload and download bandwidth; there is no two-factor verification; and you can only choose from a limited number of plans. These aren’t major drawbacks, as it is common for a company of this size to slowly expand its services and capabilities.
SpiderOak Score 7/10
What about Google, Dropbox, OneDrive & iCloud?
The secure cloud storage service sector is getting crowded with some excellent and secure options. Some of the biggest names on the planet are heavily invested in cloud storage. The biggest difference you will find between the above secure E2EE cloud storage platforms and the big boys of Google, OneDrive and Dropbox is whether the encryption is truly zero-knowledge. Another question you may want to answer is whether you trust the large corporations to handle your most private documents and files given that they have for many years monetized and used user information for their own benefit. These concerns may not be significant enough for you to look for an alternative, and I’ve got to be honest, I use Google Drive heavily for work. These services are just so convenient! And convenience is an important consideration when choosing a cloud storage provider.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that offers end-to-end encryption for files, ensuring that your data is secure and protected. It uses 128-AES encryption, unlike pCloud (and others) 256-AES. But, if you are looking for collaboration on documents in real-time alongside good file storage options, Google Drive may be a no-brainer. With a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Google services, it is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses alike. I truly love Google Drive. But that said, I won’t be keeping my most sensitive documents and photos on there.
Dropbox
Dropbox is another well-known encrypted cloud storage provider that prioritizes user privacy and data security. It was the first to make it big in the industry. So it has a head start on other services. It is great for collaboration and offer robust end-to-end encryption and file versioning. It doesn’t have zero-knowledge option so you’d have to use a third-party encryption service. pCloud for example has zero-knowledge as an add-on option.
OneDrive
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, also offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring the security and privacy of your files. With seamless integration with other Microsoft applications and a large storage capacity, it is a reliable and secure choice for storing and accessing your files. Again, it’s a big brand like Google and Apple that raises questions of trust and true privacy.
How can I encrypt my files myself before uploading them to the cloud?
Maybe you want to bypass the cloud main secure cloud storage providers and do it yourself. This is of course possible, but, it is a whole lot easier using a cloud storage platform with E2EE and zero-knowledge encrypted processes. But if you want to do your own encryption, make sure you understand a few things first…
What encryption methods can I use for my files?
There are several encryption methods that you can use to encrypt your files before uploading them to the cloud. Popular encryption algorithms include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman).
Are there any user-friendly encryption tools available?
Yes, there are user-friendly encryption tools available that allow you to easily encrypt your files before uploading them to the cloud. Some popular encryption tools include VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, and BoxCryptor.
Can I encrypt files on my mobile device?
Yes, you can encrypt files on your mobile device using encryption apps available for both Android and iOS. These apps allow you to secure your files with strong encryption algorithms and protect your data even if your device is lost or stolen.
The Final Score – What are the best encrypted cloud storage providers? Are they worth it?
In conclusion, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage offers an extra layer of security and ensures that your files are protected from unauthorized access. When choosing an encrypted cloud storage provider, consider the features, security measures, and storage capacity that best meet your needs. By taking the necessary steps to encrypt your files before uploading them to the cloud, you can rest assured that your data remains secure and private. For convenience and affordability as well as collaboration, you may want to consider one of the big industry names such as such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. But, there are some other alternatives that may offer more layers of security and keep your data more private. We consider the best encrypted cloud storage providers to be pCloud, iDrive, Sync.com and SpiderOak.