How to Encrypt Cloud Storage & Protect Your Data: 5 Methods
Data encryption on your cloud storage is essential if you care about the privacy of your data. In this article, we’ll explore how to encrypt cloud storage while outlining the differences between the encryption types.
Written by Rebecca White (Writer)
Reviewed by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
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Key Takeaways: How to Encrypt Cloud Data
- Pick a secure provider — Providers with client-side encryption, like Sync.com, never have access to your uploaded data.
- Encrypt your cloud storage — For extra protection, you can use a third-party tool such as Cryptomator to lock your cloud storage vault.
- Manage your keys — Store your encryption keys in a secure, accessible location. If you lose them, neither you nor the cloud storage will be able to access your files.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Other Methods of Encrypting Data
- Manual encryption: Tools such as 7-Zip or WinRAR can encrypt files into a password-protected archive before they’re uploaded.
- Bring your own key (BYOK): Some enterprise cloud storage solutions allow you to generate and manage your encryption keys.
- Full disk local encryption: Tools like Windows’ BitLocker encrypt your entire drive, which is valuable if your device is lost or stolen. However, individual files are unencrypted once you upload them to the cloud.
If you want to keep your data private and secure while uploading it to the cloud, you’ll need to make sure it’s encrypted. In this guide, I’ll show you how to encrypt cloud storage data and recommend the best cloud storage solutions to use.
Providers like Sync.com automatically encrypt your data. If you need more control, you can also use Cryptomator or 7-Zip to encrypt the files yourself. Keep reading to learn how to encrypt your files and recognize the different types of cloud encryption.
What Is Cloud Storage Encryption & Why Does It Matter?
Cloud storage encryption scrambles your uploaded data so only someone with the decryption key can access it. Unencrypted files are vulnerable to hackers and data breaches, and the storage provider can view them.
Encrypted files are unreadable, even to snoopers. This is especially important for sensitive financial, medical or business documents.
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How Does Cloud Storage Encryption Work?
Encryption scrambles readable data using a unique encryption algorithm. The file can be decrypted with this algorithm, which is stored on a decryption key. Therefore, you can access the file only if you have the correct key.
This process can happen before you upload the files — known as client-side encryption — or after uploading them, which is called server-side encryption. Client-side encryption is the most secure option as only you have control over the key.
At a Glance: Cloud Storage Encryption Methods
You can encrypt your files in multiple ways. Here’s a quick overview of the main types of encryption:
| Method: | When/Where Encryption Occurs | Examples of Tools | Level of Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server-side | After upload | Google Drive, Dropbox & OneDrive | Low | Basic security |
| Client-side | Before upload | Sync.com, pCloud & Tresorit | High | Full privacy |
| Manual encryption | Before upload | Cryptomator, 7-Zip & WinRAR | High | Full control over encryption |
| Bring your own key | Before upload | Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure & other business-focused services | High | Full privacy and encryption |
| Local | On the encrypted drive | BitLocker & FileVault | Medium | Loss and theft protection |
The Easiest Method: How to Encrypt Data With a Cloud Storage Service
Getting cloud storage with client-side encryption is the easiest way to encrypt your data. The process is done automatically for you — all you need to do is upload your files. Below you’ll find a guide on how to use Sync.com to encrypt your files.
- Create a Cloud Storage Account
Create an account with a cloud storage service that has client-side encryption. My top choice is Sync.com as it’s affordable and easy to use.
- Upload Your Files
Drag and drop to upload your files to your cloud storage, or choose “upload files.” Encryption will be applied to your files automatically.
The 3 Best Cloud Storage Providers With Built-In Encryption
Some cloud storage providers automatically encrypt your files before they’re uploaded. These are my favorite secure cloud storage options:
Alternative Method: How to Encrypt Your Files Before Uploading to the Cloud
If you have server-side encryption only and need extra protection, you can encrypt your files yourself. A simple option is Cryptomator, which is a free, open-source tool that creates encrypted drives. These steps will show you how to use it:
- Download Cryptomator
Download Cryptomator from the official website and run the installer.
- Create Your Vault
Launch Cryptomator and click the “+” icon to create a new vault.
- Choose Your Cloud Storage Location
Name your vault and select the storage location. If you have a cloud storage drive installed, you can also choose it as the location.
- Enable Password Protection
Choose a secure password for your vault — the app will tell you how secure it is. I also recommend that you create a recovery key in the event you lose your password.
- Upload Files to Your Vault
Once your vault is created, you can unlock it with your password. Then, click “access vault” to start uploading files.
The 5 Methods of Cloud Storage Encryption Explained
There are five main ways to encrypt your files. Here’s how they work in relation to cloud storage.
Final Thoughts
Encrypting your cloud storage ensures that your private data remains safe from prying eyes. However, different encryption methods offer varying levels of security and control. You have to balance security with maintenance to get a solution that suits your requirements.
Do you encrypt your files manually before you upload them to storage? Which is your preferred encryption level: client-side or server-side? What is your favorite cloud storage service? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Cloud Encryption
Yes, there are multiple ways to encrypt cloud storage. The best way is to get a service with client-side encryption as it automatically applies encryption to your files.
Most cloud services have encryption enabled by default. Options like Sync.com have client-side encryption on your entire storage from the start.
You can use a manual encryption tool, such as Cryptomator or 7-Zip, to password-protect files before uploading them.