Stiftung Warentest: Cloud providers fail in the security test
Stiftung Warentest tested 13 cloud providers in its August 2013 issue. The experts placed a special focus on the data protection of user data and the app. Only a few cloud services were able to withstand this security test - we summarize the results and reveal in which web storage your data is secure.
Disappointing product test winners: 4 times "satisfactory"
With an overall grade of only 3.2 (rating "satisfactory") not even the test winners can be seen by the cloud check:
- The Dropbox is one of the four best cloud providers in the test and proved to be extremely versatile. Backup, synchronization and releases also worked just as easily as the termination.
- The iPhone and the Android app were convincing in the data protection test, there was only a devaluation for handling user data.
- Our tip: unlock more storage space.
Also in first place is the Telekom Media Center, which generously provides you with 25 gigabytes of storage space.
- Compared to the Dropbox, however, the cloud provider is not quite as user-friendly and takes significantly longer to upload files.
- Stiftung Warentest classified the media center apps from Telekom as "critical" and identified unencrypted data transmission and unnecessary data transfer. The protection of user data is also only "satisfactory".
With Wuala, a fairly unknown cloud provider made it to the top of the product test ranking. 5 gigabytes of storage space are free of charge and the app password is only saved on the device - at least the provider promises.
- The desktop software from Wuala was particularly positive in the test, but the testers also praised the intuitive website. On the other hand, registration, billing and termination work a little more laboriously.
- The experts rated the iPhone app as "critical", while the Android version was not critical. However, Wuala is the only one to offer its own encryption. According to the provider, the servers are located in the European economic area.
- At Warentest, Wuala was the fastest among the test winners when it came to uploading and downloading files. You can find more information about the functions of Wuala in our picture gallery.
The fourth winner is the German cloud service SafeSync (subject to a fee). For 30 euros / month you get 20 gigabytes of storage space, an upgrade to 500 gigabytes costs around 60 euros.
- While the apps all passed the security test, Warentest also criticized the data protection check at SafeSync. In addition, encryption with BoxCryptor Classic is not possible.
- In terms of operation, SafeSync almost reaches the competitor Dropbox and got good reviews for its desktop software and web app.
Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive / SkyDrive in the test
- For Google Drive, "deficient" means "data protection", which according to Stiftung Warentest does not handle user data carefully enough. Google did not want to answer the question about the server location.
- There were pluses for the versatility and ease of use. The drive apps gave Warentest an "uncritical" rating. Overall, Google Drive gets a score of 4.1 ("Sufficient").
- Microsoft OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) also received a "sufficient" with 4.3. The cloud service supports the most common operating systems and devices, offers 25 gigabytes of storage space with a fast transfer volume.
- The big shortcoming is his app: While the iPhone app failed completely with data protection, at least the Android app got an "OK".
- You can call up all details at test.de for a fee.
Conclusion:
All cloud services were devalued by Stiftung Warentest for their handling of user data. Among the providers, Dropbox scored particularly well with its easy handling and good device compatibility. Wuala offers the best encryption, OneDrive the most (free) storage space. Our tips for more security:
- The provider LiveDrive offers space for more sensitive data - the service secures your files via SSL encryption on British servers. The upload and download performance is also significantly better than Dropbox. More information on server location selection can be found here.
- With the free tool TrueCrypt you encrypt your files before the cloud upload. For more tips, see Using cloud services safely.
Read on the next page which other cloud alternatives are available.