Cloud storage space is useful for companies that want to save costs by removing server purchase and maintenance costs. Cloud file space has many uses apart from just storage but the worry over access control is the one big issue that holds many businesses back from exploiting this resource.
Cloud storage needs to be secure and the paths that connect it to business functions so that stored content can be of use to business functions also need to be protected. Securing cloud storage, integrating services with it, and monitoring its performance will assuage all of your key users’ doubts over the merits of cloud servers.
Further down in this post we explain in every detail the most important aspects related to the Secure Cloud File Storage. However, before we do that, let us have a look on the best tools in the market.
Here is our list of the six best secure cloud file storage tools:
- N-Able Backup EDITOR’S CHOICE A file and system storage solution as part of a backup service that includes secure file storage space and all the tools to manage file transfers.
- Files.com A secure file storage platform that includes collaboration and file distribution facilities.
- Tresorit A cloud storage service that has strong encryption protection for files in transit and at rest and also offers file sharing utilities.
- Google Drive An easy-to-access cloud file storage system that can be used as working storage for current files under development thanks to its associated productivity suite.
- Citrix ShareFile A cloud storage platform with strong security features, watermarking, an eSignature function, and collaboration utilities.
- Accellion Kiteworks A content firewall that includes secure file storage and offers collaboration and file distribution facilities.
Cloud Storage Tools
The types of tools that you need to look for depends on how you intend to use that storage space. If you want a system that aids team collaboration or file sharing, you can easily get a package of systems that include cloud storage – so you don’t need to worry about a separate contract for the storage space.
If your need for storage is primarily to support in-house functions on your premises, then you must watch over the performance of the connections between that storage provider’s servers and your site. You also need to be careful that your storage system and your connections are monitored against malicious actors.
So, there are two types of cloud storage tools to look out for – those that offer customized, function-driven storage space and those that monitor your cloud storage. In this review, we will look at both.
What key criteria did we consider important when looking for cloud file storage tools?
We reviewed the market for cloud file storage tools and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- Methods to secure both storage and transfer routes
- Collaboration and file sharing systems
- Storage performance monitoring
- Access rights controls
- File activity logging for data protection standards compliance
- A free trial or money-back guarantee for a risk-free assessment
- Value for money represented by a suitable price with respect to the usefulness of the tools provided
By examining different secure cloud storage options we drew up a shortlist of suitable systems.
The six best secure cloud file storage tools
1. N-Able Backup
N-Able Backup is a secure cloud storage tool that is aimed at managed service providers. However, it could also be a useful service for the IT departments of large corporations. This system includes unlimited storage space on a private cloud set up and managed for you by N-Able.
Think of this service as a managed cloud storage system with added tools to automate backup and restore functions plus secure file transfer utilities. The console for the system is also based in the cloud, so you don’t end up backing up your backup system.
The Backup service will back up the operating system as well as all software and services installed on each device. The system will back up virtualizations as well as physical servers. Any updates, changes, or additions you make to the contents of your servers get automatically replicated in the backup on the cloud. It will also back up all of your endpoints.
Microsoft Exchange Server, Sharepoint, and MySQL databases can all be backed up, replicated, or migrated using the N-Able service. It can also back up OneDrive cloud storage.
The operating systems that N-Able Backup can manage are:
- Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
- Windows Server 2008 R2, 2011, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019
- macOS 10.10 to 10.16
- CentOS 5, 6, and 7
- Debian 5, 6, 7, and 8
- OpenSUSE 11 and 12
As this system is aimed at MSPs, it is multi-tenanted, so you will be able to back up the systems of your clients without the danger of their data or systems becoming mingled on the cloud server – each sub-account is kept securely separate.
N-Able backs up the backups of its clients, so there is no risk of loss. The service is implemented in a string of data centers around the globe, so it is suitable for multinational organizations that need fast recovery services from relatively close storage locations.
Data transfers are accelerated by compression. Security for transfers is provided by uncrackable AES encryption with a 256-bit key. The storage area on the cloud servers is protected by the same encryption system. N-Able technicians aren’t able to decrypt data, so confidentiality is assured.
The backup service offers options on how files are to be extracted in wither direction. It is possible to include version control, allowing copies of the same time to be stored over time and enabling rollback to earlier versions. It is possible to restore or replicate a complete device onto bare metal. Physical-to-physical and virtual-to-virtual options are also available.
Backups will be run periodically, incrementally, in the background without human intervention. Restore actions are initiated on demand. N-able Backup is offered on a 30-day free trial.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
N-Able Backup is our top pick for a secure cloud storage tool because it includes unlimited cloud storage space, which is encrypted by AES 256-bit encryption. The package includes all of the tools you need to make full use of the storage space, including secure file transfer management. The backup routines in this package are automated and restore functions can be performed on-demand through a browser-based console.
Get a 30-day free trial: n-able.com/products/backup/trial
Operating system: Cloud-based
2. Files.com
Files.com offers a range of file management services that are based on its secure cloud storage platform. The system is available in three editions that include 1, 5, or 10 TB of storage space. That cloud storage is protected by encryption, using a 256-bit key AES cipher. File transfers to the storage platform performed by FTPS and are protected by Transport Layer Security with a 2048-bit key RSA cipher.
The Files.com system is an interesting offer for businesses that are looking for a secure file distribution service or a collaboration suite for teams. The tools that are included in the Files.com bundle make this a flexible and multipurpose proposition.
Integrations with Microsoft 365 offer the opportunity to keep all files on the cloud server and let employees create and store their documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on the cloud service rather than on local computers. This configuration also allows for collaboration over document development, including version control, editing facilities, comments, and rollback options.
A secure forwarding utility in Files.com improves file tracking and enables more secure sharing of files. Under this system, the user uploads a file to the Files.com secure storage and then adds access permissions. This is performed by identifying allowed users by email address. The system generates an invitation email to that recipient. There is a link to the document in its cloud storage location within the email. This removes the need to send many copies of a file to different people. Permissions can be revoked at any time by the file owner or the administrator.
Files.com is a subscription service with a rate per user per month. The actual amount of storage space allocated to the account is determined by the chosen plan. The administrator account is able to set up and manage user accounts. It is also possible to create private file spaces and shared folders. Files.com is offered on a 7-day free trial.
3. Tresorit
Tresorit offers a file storage system that begins its security on the devices of users. Each user in the business can have an individual account and a secure file storage space needs to be marked out on that user’s device. This is called a “tresor” and it is protected with encryption. The tresor is synched with Tresorit file space. So, the user can decide which files will get uploaded just by moving those files into the local tresor. Files are encrypted with 256-bit key AES encryption on the local disk. Transfers are protected by 4096-bit RSA encryption.
When a file is on the Tresorit server, the owner can grant access to others by entering the recipient’s email address in the file permissions feature of Tresorit. This removes the need to email out copies of files. The encryption key for file protection is regenerated every time the list of allowed accessors is changed. So, it is possible to revoke the file access to individuals. Both the file owner and the system administrator get notified when any changes are made to the file. The notification gets written to an administration log file.
Tresorit can also be used to reduce the security risk of email attachments. The Tresorit system scans all emails, removes attachments, uploads them, and places a link to that file in the email. The recipient is then able to view the file on the Tresorit server. Access to files in Tresorit servers is performed through any standard browser with the HTTPS protocol, which is protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS).
There are three editions of the Tresorit subscription service. The Business Standard plan includes 1TB of space and Business Plus includes 2 TB. The Enterprise plan is a tailored service. The Tresorit system is available on a 14-day free trial.
4. Google Drive
Google Drive is very easy to access and starting up a subscription is a straightforward process. Anyone can get a Google Drive account for free – accounts are identified by a Gmail address. Each free account gets 15 GB of storage space. These free accounts are available to business users as well as private individuals. However, there is no group administration control with that configuration. You need to get a Teams or Enterprise account for that.
Google Drive is able to identify sensitive data, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The system scans files for this level of data and blocks access to those files by anyone outside the organization. Files spaces are protected by 256-bit key AES encryption.
Google Drive is integrated into the Google Workspace package. Whether you sign up for Google Workspace or Google Drive you get the same package. This is because Google workspace is a collection of productivity tools plus the Google Drive cloud storage space. Google Drive users get access to the productivity suite for free. Google Workspace is what used to be called Google G-Suite.
The file editors in the Workspace package enable documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to be created and altered. File owners invite others to share access to a file. Any changes to a document create a backup of the original version and all previous versions are available for rollback. The user who made changes is identified. Users can make comments on files and create action points for others.
Another option that file owners have is to grant read-only access. This is a great way to distribute documents without having to mail out copies. It also ensures that the original version is protected and recipients can’t make their own alterations.
Google Workspace is such a useful suite of tools that many organizations provide this cloud productivity suite to their employees instead of on-device software. This strategy makes the cloud server the default storage location for all business files.
5. Citrix ShareFile
The ShareFile platform from Citrix is a secure cloud file storage service that has added tools to support file sharing and collaboration. This system includes unlimited storage space and so could be used for a company-wide data store, without the need to use on-site storage servers or retain files on local endpoints.
This system can be used for syncing and backup but its main purpose is to offer secure file sharing. Files are encrypted individually before uploading. The protection system uses a 256-bit AES cipher. The upload to the Citrix ShareFile server is protected by FTPS, which uses Transport Layer Security (TLS). Each file remains encrypted while on the ShareFile server. Files of up to 100 GB in size can be uploaded.
The higher plans of ShareFile include integration with Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Gmail. This provides a cloud collaboration file for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, which can be jointly authored with version control and rollback facilities. Email attachments can be automatically removed and uploaded with a link for read-only access to the original file placed in the email instead.
The secure link mechanism is also used for file distribution. Other features offered in the ShareFile service include an eSignature system, watermarking, and automated approval workflows.
Citrix ShareFile is available for a 30-day free trial.
6. Accellion Kiteworks
Accellion Kiteworks is termed a “content firewall.” This is a cloud platform that offers a range of data protection services, which includes a secure file transfer system. One thing that isn’t automatically included in the cloud storage space – is optional. This is a package of tools for securing cloud file storage rather than an actual cloud file storage system with tools. You can decide which cloud storage system to use and Accellion makes its own servers available as a candidate service.
Accellion watches over file transfers to and from your chosen cloud file storage and protects them with 256-bit AES encryption. If you choose the Accellion file storage as well, that cloud system is also protected by the same encryption.
Kiteworks can be integrated with Office 365 and Outlook. This interfaces all file-saving functions to protect the transfer of data. The service can also protect file attachments by loading them up to the secure cloud file storage and substituting a link for access.
The Kiteworks system logs all actions on files. Accellion Kiteworks has ISO 27001 certification and is validated to FIPS 140-2 Level 1. These processes and accreditations make Kiteworks a suitable tool for businesses that are following the HIPAA or PCI DSS standards.
Deployment options include the SaaS system, managed by Accellion, a software package for installation on a private cloud system, or a bundle to install on your own onsite servers. You can get a demo to assess the system.
L’article 6 Best Secure Cloud File Storage Tools est apparu en premier sur Comparitech.
0 Commentaires