With all the security breach on consumer data happening lately not to mention the Snowden leaks, data security issues should be on top of your mind online. This is especially true when you make the most of cloud storage – however free. Though proponents of these services may trumpet their invincibility, there is nothing like giving your precious data the protection it needs right from the onset.
If you want to play it smart, you may also choose to give your data a back-up for security purposes. Still there is the danger that somebody is going to be able to read your unencrypted data stored somewhere in the cloud. Lest you get too comfortable, there were thousands of consumers that were affected by recent data breaches involving prominent stores (e.g., Target).
Today, a handful of free cloud storage entities in the market have caught on. Google Drive, Box, Amazon Cloud Drive, DropBox, RapidShare and Microsoft Drive, just to name a few. These services may have your data encrypted, as an added protection. Yet, these encryption keys are generated by the host company itself, giving them access to your precious data.
Detailed below is a method that could give your data the encryption it deserves. It may cost you extra effort but like an iPad mini keyboard to the iPad, it’s definitely worth the hassle.
Cloudfogger is a robust tool to encrypt your files for cloud storage. The best part is the service comes free.
Step 1: Download CloudFogger from its website. Let Google lead the way if you know what I mean. Subsequently install the app creating an account in the process.
Step 2: Next stop. Choose your cloud storage folder (e.g., Google Drive, Sky Drive or Dropbox).
Step 3: Now that you have activated your CloudFogger account all you have to do is to drop your precious files into your chosen cloud storage folder. You will notice a small green overlay-symbol appearing on your files. This tells you that your files have been encrypted and are ready for uploading/syncing.
Your encrypted files will carry a “.cfog” file extension and will get accessed only after being decrypted via your assigned CloudFogger keys.
There is also the option of encrypting your documents manually. Just right click your file, then select cloudfogger->Fogg file(s). With this action, you get to access your file thru a CloudFogger-created virtual drive.
To note, this client-initiated encryption provided by CloudFogger protects your document from being accessed or read by just anybody. Your RSA keys are stored on CloudFogger servers but you can rest easy as all keys are dutifully encrypted with 256 bit AES and even the host company will not have access to your password.
Of course, there is a way for you to share these encrypted files to your friends should you want to. Just add the email of your friends.
The good thing is CloudFogger is available for almost all major platforms from Android, iOS to Windows. The down side is it’s not an open source software. Well, if you’re looking for one you might as well try another encryption app called “CryptSync”.