To ensure that no unauthorized user gets access to data in the cloud, the best way is to encrypt data with additional tools. In this area there are several paid tools, but also freeware and open source. In addition, some cloud providers also offer direct encryption. So if you want to encrypt data safely in the cloud, you have different options.
Use Boxcryptor and Cryptomator
One of the most popular tools for encrypting data in the cloud is of course Boxcryptor. This tool can connect almost all cloud storage and encrypt data. The basic version of this tool is completely free and supports cloud providers on two devices. Anyone who wants to encrypt data on many cloud providers and wants to use Boxcryptor on an unlimited number of devices will not be able to pass Personal Lizent for 36 euros per year as a person, but will also receive additional additional functions and email support. For business use and professional Business Boxcryptor costs 72 Euros per year for one person. For teams and companies, there is a staggering user license and even a company version with single access and key capabilities managed by themselves. In Deep Diving: Our Boxcryptor looks more closely at the Company and Company versions.
The open-source Cryptomator tool has a performance similar to Boxcryptor. After installation and starting, a new drive appears in Explorer. If you copy files there, Cryptomator encrypts data and uploads it to cloud storage.
Encryption with freeware: CryptSync
CryptSync can also encrypt data before it is loaded into the cloud. This opensource solution also works with OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox. If the file will be backed up and encrypted on more than one cloud storage, CryptSync can also set two synchronization pairs. It is also possible in construction in such a way that the original folder is the same for both partners.
The disadvantage of CryptSync is that it works with 7-Zip compression programs for encryption. This tool in turn criticizes serious security vulnerabilities being vulnerable. However, CryptSync encryption with GnuPG is possible. In this case, vulnerabilities in 7-Zip do not cause danger. However, in this case the data will not be compressed.
CryptSync generally works by synchronizing folder pairs. The original folder stores files that are not encrypted. The second folder of such pairs is an encrypted folder where files are copied from the original folder and encrypted. In the article "Open Source Encryption for Cloud with CryptSync" we discuss in more detail about encryption with CryptSync.
AxCrypt - Encrypt local files
The AxCrypt open source application (http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/Downloads.html) can be used to encrypt files through the context menu. This tool does not work directly with cloud storage, but above all can encrypt data locally. But if the data is encrypted in a cloud service synchronization directory, cloud agents also synchronize encrypted data with cloud. We wrote in the article "Encrypt and Tear Files with AxCrypt".
Using Encrypted Cloud Storage - Tresorit and Co.
Of course, anyone who wants to store data safely in the cloud can also rely on cloud storage where encryption is integrated. One example is Tresorite. Storage can be tested for 14 days for free. After that, the subscription must be completed. Prices are between 16 and 24 euros per month with annual payments. Includes the following functions:
Integrated end-to-end encryption
- 1,000 GB of storage / user
- Secure access from 10 devices / users
- Restore an older version rights monitoring
- Share with password protected links
- 2-step verification
- Outlook integration
- Security policy
- Control files at team level
Of course, Tresorit is just one example of cloud storage with built-in encryption. Other well-known cloud storage with default encryption (but not complete) are:
- YourSecureCloud - Data is stored on a German server and also encrypted. However, this provider does not provide free storage space. Prices for service amounts to 2.49 euros per month for 10GB, 4.99 euros per month for 50GB and 7.99 euros per month for 100GB. Data is always encrypted and stored on German servers.
- DriveOnWeb - The cloud provider provides 5GB of free storage space. Here too, all data is encrypted and stored on German servers. Of course, memory can be increased at any time for a fee.
- SecureSafe - This free account offers 100MB of storage. Data is stored encrypted.
