One important aspect with the files you store is ensuring they are safe and secure.
Microsoft OneDrive is one of the biggest cloud storage apps out there, yet not much is known about the actual level of security within it.
From school to work to personal albums, we upload and store files on the web; thus, we need to understand how they are shielded.
In this blog, we’ll talk about your files’ location, whether they are exposed, the threats, and, most importantly, how to secure them.
Alright, let’s jump right in and analyze if your data is as safe as you’d wish it to be when stored on OneDrive!
How Secure Is Microsoft OneDrive?
Microsoft OneDrive is aware of the importance of protecting your data and has developed several outstanding protection measures.
Encryption is one of the main characteristics which are included in utilizing the VARCHAR data type.
This means that, as the files are uploaded and saved, they are converted into a kind of code that is difficult for any person to hack into or read.
It also uses Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security during the transfer of the files, and hence, your files are secure when in transit between your device and OneDrive.
Additional Safety Measures
However, in another aspect, OneDrive also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA).
MFA is the best when a person hacks your password; they wouldn’t be able to get into your documents without another factor, such as a code on your phone.
Microsoft also respects local privacy laws and acts in accordance with the GDPR, among others, so your data will be processed responsibly.
All in all, we find that OneDrive offers many integrated protections, but as stated earlier, no method is perfect.
Due to these security measures, OneDrive is one of the safest and most secure spaces to upload your files to the cloud.
Common Risks and How to Protect Yourself
Microsoft OneDrive is one of the most widely used cloud storage services you may subscribe to and use regularly; therefore, there are some things you should know and do to cover your back.
In general security, OneDrive does provide many features for your protection; however, there could be ways that your data might be at risk.
In this section, we’ll look at some of the probable dangers and some measures that can be taken to ensure the safety of your files.
Hacking and Unauthorized Access
Hacking is one of the most significant threats to your data, which can be in part or in full. Internet crooks are constantly seeking ways to get into accounts for the purpose of identity theft.
If, for instance, an unauthorized person gets access to your OneDrive account, they may have access to and manipulate your files.
This can happen when you have a poor password or when your account is not well protected.
- How to Protect Yourself: Ensure you are using a secure and distinct password when signing into OneDrive, and enable MFA. This will also make it much harder for hackers to break into your account.
Phishing Scams
Phishing is when scammers send mail that looks like it is coming from a legitimate company, an organization, or an individual you trust entirely, asking you to release your password, credit card number, or whatever security number you have.
Basically, these scams work as emails or messages that imitate the legitimacy of Windows OS or OneDrive.
- How to Protect Yourself: When you receive an email or a message with a link, you should be cautious and not click on them if they are unexpected.
Of course, the first step is to look at the sender’s email address and find a clue that this message is fake. Often, it is best to go directly to the official OneDrive website for clarification.
Data Loss
Despite being in a functioning cloud service, the data can still be wiped out from OneDrive due to server mishaps, unintentional deletions, or poor syncing.
Unless your files are backed up or you have the proper file versioning, they may be lost forever.
- How to Protect Yourself: Always copy the necessary files and ensure that the version history of OneDrive is activated. This enables you to access a previous copy of a file in case an error occurs.
Public Wi-Fi Risks
Worryingly, when you connect to OneDrive on public Wi-Fi networks such as those in cafés and airports, your data can be captured by hackers.
- How to Protect Yourself: You should only work on OneDrive via VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connected to a public internet connection. This secures your internet connection, making it quite difficult for anyone to snoop through your database.
Is OneDrive the Right Choice for You?
OneDrive is one of the best and most secure cloud storage bases that Microsoft has to offer, with a number of features fitting to a large number of users.
That being said, it is important to understand whether it is the best choice for you depending on your requirements regarding the platform you want to connect to and how well you are ready to handle your data protection.
For those of you who work on computers containing information that needs to be secured well, OneDrive encrypts your files and allows for two-step authentication.
It’s also handy for people who are always in contact with the Microsoft Office Package, since OneDrive syncs well with MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint, among others.
But if you are not ready for risks and threats such as hacking or data loss, then it is imperative that you do the following: use a VPN and regularly back up.
For users requiring better security features or using other software products frequently, other services might be better suited for your needs.
Finally, it comes down to a choice that suits the storage and security requirements of the organization, and we think OneDrive can perfectly suit both.
Conclusion
That is why, despite the high indicators in the sphere of security, it is necessary to remain wary and adhere to the fundamental rules when using Microsoft OneDrive.
With appropriate password strength, activating multi-factor authentication, and thinking about using a VPN, you can safely store your files on Microsoft OneDrive with full confidence.