Expert Says ‘Cloud’ Technology Is Very Secure
DENVER (CBS4) – Cloud storage is getting a lot of publicity these days. It’s designed to simplify and consolidate information in one location. But how secure is the technology?
Jeremy Kossler is a traveling salesman who likes all his data to travel with him.
"I take the iPad into business meetings, that's my note pad. All my notes that I type at client meetings go right to my phone and I can access them anywhere," Kossler said.
Kossler relies on "the cloud" to synchronize aspects of his professional life. It's not the cumulus or cirrus cloud found in the sky, but rather a term given for cyberspace storage that allows users to sync and store information from a computer, a smart phone, a lap top, and other electronic devices.
Music collectors sing the cloud's praises. One music collector says he's gotten rid of all his CDs.
"It allows you to access your music on 10 devices, if you own that many. And it allows you to access your music anytime, anywhere." Christopher Nice with Apple Outlet said.
Music may be safe on the cloud, but what about personal data? University of Denver business professor Stephen Haag says it's quite safe.
"The cloud technology on a personal consumer level is safer than storing information in your own home," Haag said.
Haag, who helps corporations design anti-hacking technology, says the cloud has elaborate security.
"It's like taking your money to the bank rather than keeping it at your own house," he said. "It's safer at the bank."
Ironically, CBS4 found college students who have some worries about the cloud's safety. But they use Facebook, which of course, relies on cloud storage.
"I think we don't have much of a choice. It's the wave of the future, but security is a big issue," a student said.
Haag has one very simple, very safe rule for protection.
"Don't put anything on a piece of technology that you wouldn't want to blow up on a 24 by 36 poster and hang on your front door. That's the rule to follow," Haag said.
Other suggestions are as follows:
- Use secure browsers
- Use different passwords (don't use obvious ones, such as the names of children or an address)
- Never open unknown files
- Install anti-viral software
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