CloudTweaks released a set of metrics by which cloud
security outperforms physical security, including access to easy encryption and
backup services. However, this does not mean that a cloud storage unit can be
used carelessly, and parents must take steps to ensure family data on the cloud
cannot be hacked or accessed by a third party.
Be Aware Of Mobile Use
Since a cloud network can be accessed by any mobile phone
anywhere in the world, the potential for a security breach remains high
whenever mobile units become configured for access to the cloud. IdentityTheft
911 suggests that some two billion dollars goes into data loss remediation as
individuals and companies deal with theft resulting from unauthorized use of
the cloud via mobile connection. A preventative measure would be to cut off all
mobiles from cloud access, but this greatly limits your ability to access data.
Instead, use a separate cloud account for mobile use so that you can better
monitor authorized (and unauthorized) use from family smart phones.
Encrypt Everything
In the same way that you can keep someone from reading a
letter if you use a code, you can keep cloud data more secure by using an
encryption protocol. This works by scrambling up numbers and letters so that it
makes no sense to anyone attempting to hack into the network. Google announced
they would auto-encrypt their cloud storage data in response to the NSA
scandals earlier this year, as Mashable reports. While some services provide
automatic encryption, many others do not. You can find both free and paid
encryption services to better protect your data.
Make Good Passwords
Any password can be hacked, regardless of its length or
complexity. StopTheHacker reports that a lowercase password only six letters
long can be hacked in ten minutes. The bad news is that this accounts for the
vast majority of passwords. The good news is that by adding two upper-case
letters and a number, that figure spikes to over forty thousand years. Make
passwords a complex blend of letters, numbers, and characters so that
brute-force hacks fail. You can prevent ID theft proactively with strong
passwords and by using monitoring services for your cloud data and financial
information. These monitoring services give you twenty-four hour access to
security assistance, along with active alerts for personal and financial data.
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Hacks, like many other crimes, tend to be instances of
opportunity rather than planned-out attacks. You will be more likely to
experience identity theft if you give out personal information than if you have
a massive bank account hidden behind a strong security profile. Make sure kids
do not give away Social Security numbers, shared any credit card information
after use, and be careful who you give your financial data to in the real and
digital world.