How Secure Is Google Drive – Data Safety Matters!

In 2018, Google announced that the number of daily active users on Drive had reached over 800million while there were around 2trillion files being stored. Even though Google Drive is immensely popular, there is no guarantee that it is completely safe. If you have been wondering about switching to Google Drive, but are not sure about how safe your data will really be, then you are one of many who takes their privacy and security very seriously.

Here, you will get to take a look at some key features of Google Drive that guarantee safety, as well as some tips that will allow you to use the platform securely.

 Key Features

Google Drive primarily offers its users the ability to store their data on the cloud, but there is more to it than meets the eye. It also provides a myriad of additional features, out which here are a few:

• The drive is private
• Any and all types of data can be stored on the cloud
• Files can be shared easily
• Files can be created and edited in the drive
• There is a selection of apps that complement the drive
• You are free to work offline

Google Drive is designed to work effortlessly with Google – the world’s top search engine. Even though people blindly trust Google, is their trust misplaced?

 Google Drive’s Security Guarantee

Google Drive promotes another key feature – their entire system is safe and secure. From the looks of it, Google Drive has given all the attention it needs to give users peace of mind. There are a couple of security measures set in place to answer the question: how secure is google drive? Said security measures include:

• Access to Google Drive can be restricted via two-factor authentication.
• SSL encryption.
• All files and documents sent from the platform are encrypted using an impenetrable TLS standard encryption.
• Encryption keys used to encrypt data are also encrypted.
• Once data reaches Google Drive, it is subjected to the process of un-encryption and re-encryption.

On paper, Google Drive looks like a secure service. But there have been instances in the past where Google Drive has been breached, creating concerns regarding whether or not the platform is reliable in the first place.

Back in 2014, a privacy problem was discovered in Google Drive, which resulted in sensitive information being accessed by third parties.

Google Drive was compromised by a malware campaign, referred to as Gooligan, in 2016. It managed to breach over a million accounts. The malware would infect devices and steal authentication information that was used to access Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Play and more.

Recently, a report by security researchers highlighted a flaw which enabled hackers to distribute malware hosted by Google Drive. By using a SaaS (software-as-a-service) environment, detecting malicious activity is not only difficult, but attacks can take place without user awareness or interaction.

 Tips to Use Google Drive Securely

If you are concerned about your data being misused or stolen from Google Drive, then make sure you take advantage of these tips to use the platform at a more secure level. The tips include:

1. Protect your Password

The last thing you would want to do is to use Google Drive on unsecure networks. Not only is it very risky, but whatever protection Google has in place will be null and void. The answer to whether Google Drive is safe also depends on the networks you will be accessing it on. Under no circumstance should you access your private and confidential information on Drive via public Wi-Fi networks?

2. Use Google Drive on Secure Networks

If you want to keep your files safe, you will need to protect your authentication information and password. The good news is you can access the information regarding who has accessed your account and your password from within your Google account.

3. Share Files Wisely

One of the best features of Google Drive is the ability to let you share files. As great of a feature it may be, you can get into trouble for sharing files with the wrong people. Always consider who you are sharing your files with. If need be, use limited sharing, which can easily be controlled from your account.

There is no denying the fact that Google has done an outstanding job to assure people their platform is completely safe to use. But even then, it is always a good idea to take extra precautionary measures to make sure your information is protected at all times.

Of course, the tips mentioned above are a few of many others that you can benefit from, and if you do want to find more, you can always do your research online. If not, then consider using these tools to bolster Google Drive’s security and privacy.

Since prevention is better than cure, make sure you take all the steps needed at your end to prevent your Google Drive account from becoming compromised.