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Cloud storage and its security
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Photos, schoolwork and backups increasingly live 'in the cloud'. That is convenient, but it raises new security questions.
What is the cloud?
Cloud storage means saving data on remote servers owned by a provider and reached over the internet.
Other modern storage includes flash memory such as USB sticks and memory cards, and solid state drives.
Other modern storage includes flash memory such as USB sticks and memory cards, and solid state drives.
Advantages and disadvantages
Security issues
Data is held by a third party, possibly in another country with different laws.
Providers are a big target for hackers, and a weak or stolen password gives an attacker access to everything.
Data travels over the internet, so it must be encrypted.
Small devices such as USB sticks are easily lost or stolen and can carry malware.
Providers are a big target for hackers, and a weak or stolen password gives an attacker access to everything.
Data travels over the internet, so it must be encrypted.
Small devices such as USB sticks are easily lost or stolen and can carry malware.
A student keeps all their coursework only in cloud storage. Give one risk and one way to reduce it.
- Risk: someone guesses or steals the password.
- Reduce it: use a strong, unique password and keep a backup elsewhere.
Answer: Account could be hacked; use a strong password and an extra backup
Cloud storage keeps data on a provider's servers, reached over the internet. It allows access anywhere and easy sharing, but needs internet access and raises security, privacy and control issues.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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