ASK KURT: Do you need to encrypt your sensitive cloud data?

Curious about the security of your documents in the cloud? You’re not alone.

I just read your article on saving documents to the cloud. What is your opinion on protecting those documents by encrypting them first? Does that prevent companies like Google from harvesting them? Also, how are these files removed after the death of the individual?”

Encryption is a process of transforming data into an unreadable form that can only be accessed by authorized parties with the decryption key

 

What are the benefits of cloud encryption?

Encrypting your documents before uploading them to the cloud can provide an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access, data breaches, hacks, malware, and cyberattacks.

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Should you encrypt your data before sending it to the cloud?

 

How to encrypt on Windows

  • advanced
  • Encrypt content to secure data”*
  • Ok Apply
  • apply changes to folder, sub folder, and files”
  • properties
  • advanced
  • Encrypt content to secure data”
  • OK Apply
  • “Encrypt the file and its selected folder

*Please note the “Encrypt contents to secure data” option is only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you’re using Windows 11 Home, this feature won’t be available. You may consider using third-party encryption tools like BitLocker (if available on your edition). BitLocker is a great tool for encrypting your data and ensuring its security

 

How to encrypt on Mac

  • folder
  • Go, Utilities.
  • Disk Utility
  • File, New Image Image from Folder
  • Choose
  • Encryption pulldown
  • Image Format pulldown
  • read/write
  • Save
  • Done

trash binEmpty Trash

 

Amp up the security of your iCloud data

Let’s say you really want to amp up the security of your iCloud data. Apple has got you covered with its Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which is its top-tier cloud data security feature. This is an optional setting that takes your iCloud data security to the next level.

When you turn it on, most of your iCloud data, such as your Photos, Notes, iCloud Backup, and more, gets locked up with end-to-end encryption. This means nobody, not even Apple, can access your encrypted data.

 

Requirements before setting up Advanced Data Protection

  • Updated software on all of your devices that you are signed into with your Apple ID
  • A password or passcode set for your Apple device
  • An Apple ID with two-factor authentication
  • At least one account recovery contact or recovery key. Don’t already have one? No problem. Apple will help you set one up when you turn on Advanced Data Protection on your device.

 

Set up an alternative recovery method

Now, before you enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, you’ll also need to set up an alternative recovery method, either a recovery contact or recovery key.

This is important because, with Advanced Data Protection, Apple won’t have the keys to unlock your encrypted data if you ever need to recover it.

So you’ll rely on one of your recovery methods, like your device passcode or password, your recovery contact, or your recovery key, to regain access to your iCloud data if you ever get locked out.

 

How to turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

To activate Advanced Data Protection, it requires an iPhone running IOS 16.2, an iPad running OS 16.2, or a Mac running macOS 13.1.

On iPhone or iPad

  • Open the Settings app
  • Tap your name, then tap iCloud
  • Scroll down, tap Advanced Data Protection, then tap Turn on Advanced Data Protection
  • Then, follow the onscreen instructions to review your recovery methods and enable Advanced Data Protection 

On Mac

  • Choose the Apple Menu and then tap System Settings
  • Click your name, then tap iCloud
  • Click Advanced Data Protection, then click Turn on
  • Then, follow the onscreen instructions to review your recovery methods and enable Advanced Data Protection

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What are the downsides to encryption?

 

Benefits of a password manager 

 

What to do so loved ones can access your files and data after death

Some providers may delete your files after a period of inactivity, while others may allow you to designate a beneficiary or a digital executor who can access your files after your death.

It is important to ensure your data or the data of your loved ones, is left in safe hands. There are a few different ways to ensure this.

Apple, for example, has created a “legacy contact” system where the user can create an access key. They can then give this key, either digitally or on paper, to others to use in conjunction with a copy of their death certificate to access their data after death. Here’s how to set it up:

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What to do so loved ones can access your files on Google after death

Google lets the user set up an “Inactive account manager.” This account will automatically contact the people you list after you have been inactive from your Google account for a chosen period of time. Here’s how to set it up:

  • Select this link
  • Click Start
  • Select the pencil icon to choose how long you want the period of inactivity to be
  • Click Save
  • Next, click ADD PHONE NUMBER and then type in your own phone number,
  • If it sends you a verification code, enter in the given code, and click VERIFY, then click NEXT on the bottom
  • Then select ADD PERSON and add the email of who you want to be contacted and select NEXT 
  • Check the boxes of which data you want shared with the person, click NEXT, and add their phone number and click SAVE
  • Repeat these steps for whoever else you want to have access
  • Click NEXT at the bottom
  • Select if you want your Google account to be deleted after death by ticking the switch, turning it blue
  • Click REVIEW PLAN and then CONFIRM PLAN if you are satisfied

Other methods to keep information and accounts safe after death

There are also alternative measures that can be taken to keep your information safe, even after death. Some password managers, for example, have you create an Emergency Kit when you sign up, which includes all the information someone would need to log into your account. Print it out or download a copy to a USB drive and place it somewhere safe, like a lock box, where your loved ones can access it in the event of your death.

How do you feel about encrypting your documents before uploading them to the cloud? Are you prepared to ensure your data is accessible to close friends or family members after you pass away?Let us know by commenting below.

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