Encrypt cloud data securely - how it works

More and more users are uploading lots of very private or sensitive personal data to a cloud. If you encrypt them correctly, you significantly reduce the risk of misuse. In this practical tip, we will explain how you can encrypt your cloud data securely and with little effort.

How to encrypt cloud data

There are many ways to securely encrypt your cloud data. You should definitely do this, because many cloud providers - even Dropbox and Google Drive - fail in the security test. We will show you two options below. In the following picture gallery we will explain the second method and give you tips for secure data transmission.

Make cloud data secure with BoxCryptor

With BoxCryptor you encrypt your data with just a few clicks. However, you can only use the free version on CHIP Online for one cloud provider and a maximum of two end devices.

In another CHIP article, we will show you how to install BoxCryptor and make your cloud secure with little effort.
BoxCryptor is also available for Mac as well as for iOS and Android.

Encrypt cloud content with archiving software

Alternatively, you can protect your data with archiving software. The programs 7-Zip, WinZip and WinRAR are suitable for this.

During installation, set that you want to integrate the software in Explorer, or activate shell integration in the installation window.
If you now right-click on the files or folders that you want to encrypt for the cloud, you can select the option "Add to archive ..." under the menu item "7-Zip", "WinRAR" or "WinZip".
The archiving software opens and you can set an encryption password. You can now safely upload the password-protected archive to the cloud.
If you carry 7-Zip Portable with you on a USB stick, you can encrypt files for the cloud from any Windows computer without installation and decrypt password-protected files from the cloud.
With the Zip browser app, you can open the encrypted zip files with your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. For Samsung, HTC and Co. there is WinZip for Android.
Both methods work with Dropbox, MegaSync and all other clouds.

Maximum security with encrypted clouds

Encrypted clouds offer further protection against misuse and theft of data. Optimally combine these with encrypted archives to always be on the safe side:

Mega not only gives you 50 GB free. The provider encrypts your data when uploading. You can send the decryption key to yourself and others together with the URL to the file, or you can generate a link including the key.
With the Mega-Sync app, you have a similar range of use as with Dropbox.
However, Mega's business practices were controversial in the past, as you can read in our CHIP articles.
SpiderOak offers an encrypted cloud for around 5 euros a month - currently without scandals.