Posts Tagged ‘cloud storage’

Online Encryption: Are They Really Secured?

Posted on: March 1st, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Online Backup Encryption: Are Your Files Secured?

Many individuals fear that if they back their system files up through various online backup systems, then their data might get lost, hacked, peeked at, or stolen. This fear is especially true for businesses and other corporations who do not wish to let their competitors know their server files for confidentiality’s sake. However, is there even any reason to fear? Are online backup systems really secured? Read on as we uncover the security levels of these companies and from that, you can evaluate for yourself whether online backup systems are really secured or not.

Primary Security Level: Banking

Your company uses a minimum security level of 128-bit SSL encryption. This Secure Security Layer is being implemented by backup companies as a primary level of their security system. This security system is just the same with what backs use for your transactions. So, if you know for sure that banks do a great job in security, and then you might as well say that online backup companies are even better since the maximum security protection of banks is just the minimum security level of online backup companies.

Client Vis-à-vis Server Recognition Program

Online backup companies also provide a 3rd party program that secures your connection on them while you are backing up your files. This program “marks” your computer and the server in the sense that the server and your computer are the only ones that will recognize themselves. Think of it as two persons trying to meet in person and they decide to wear something that is unique in order for them to recognize themselves and not mistake the one for another person. This is how these 3rd party programs work. No other computer can then interfere or peek at the data exchange because of this. You are then sure that your data are secured at the very least.

Advanced Encryption

Data encryption does not start there. If that is not enough, online backup systems put up a tough fight for hackers as they even implement Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and 448-Blowfish encryption systems in their servers. These are very hard to crack and are even used by military operations. Hackers cannot easily hack server files if the data encryption is as of these levels. Think of it as an encryption within an encryption that the odds of ever being lucky to crack it are 1/1000.

Backing Up What They Had Backed Up

But emergencies might happen. This is where the backup systems of online backup companies appear. They provide backup to their server files so that if ever their server gets haywire, your files are still secured and stored in other backup centers under the same company.

Conclusion

Nothing in this world is ever perfect. The system is only as strong as the strongest and most skilled developer and hacker. If a very persistent and extremely brilliant hacker decides to hack your files through these companies, it would take him too long that he can be caught while doing it. Therefore, you can really be sure that your data are very much protected on online backup systems.

 

Dropbox or SugarSync Comparison

Posted on: February 15th, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

When it comes to picking two of the better cloud providers, it can be a difficult choir. There are many similarities while also several differences that separate the two services.

SugarSync offers tons of services, they supports almost every major operating system (Windows, Max, etc), it offers file synching of multiple folders between multiple computers and can integrate with Facebook. SugarSync is a service for those who love features and are computer savvy.

Dropbox is a simpler service in many ways and doesn’t offer as many features, but is easy to use and can be accessed from anywhere their is an internet connection.

We won’t fluff this up with words, so straight to the point here is a compare and contrast of the two services:

Features

SugarSync: Offers cloud storage, cloud backup, file and folder synching, Facebook integration, mobile device synching, file editing for basic files, shared folders with passwords protection and many of the basic features like automated backups and file versioning of backups.

Dropbox: Offers cloud storage, cloud backup, file and folder synching, mobile synching, remote access, works offline and offers the basic features like automated backups and file versioning of backups.

Pricing

SugarSync: 5GB free, 30GB $4.99/month, 60GB $9.99/month, 100GB $14.99/month, plus SugarSync for businesses. 100GB for 3 users $29.99/month.

Dropbox: 2GB free, 50GB $9.99/month, 100GB $19.99/month, plus “Teams” pricing for multiple users like businesses. “As much as you need* for 5 users at $795/year.
*Account starts with 1,000GB’s and can be scaled up as needed.

Setup

SugarSync: The amount of features does require a longer setup and a steeper learning curve. There are mutliple folder to setup in order to utilize SugarSyncs synching service. The setup is longer but also offers more features. A simple trade off.

Dropbox: Has a really simple set up, download the file, install it, sign in and that’s it. All you need is one folder and the majority of the service is offered through the cloud meaning little space on your computer is actually used. It is a very simple and easy-to-use service.

Security

SugarSync: Transmits files from your computer to the cloud by an SSL-secured connection and encrypts files with an AES-128 bit encryption after they arrive.

Dropbox: Also uses an SSL-secured connection and encrypts your files with an AES-256 bit encryption that secures your file before they are sent to the cloud.

Conclusion

SugarSync offers more features and at a better pricing. They are more complicated to use but if you are comfortable with technology the are a great service. The only big knock is encrypting data after it arrives. While it is unlikely you will ever have to worry about this, it is still a concern.

Dropbox is a simple and easy-to-use service that is very functional and works very well. But being simple isn’t better in this case. They are more expensive and offer fewer features which is a big knock. Truly their clam to fame over SugarSync is encrypting data before it is sent to the cloud.

As promised, a short and to the point comparison.