Overview

Data security and privacy protection are one of the most crucial elements through entire over-the-internet activities.
Cloud storage services that adopt end-to-end encryption provide the highest level of data protection and peace of mind for users.
In this article we will introduce top-ranking services among cloud storage solutions with such security measures. If you are looking for the best options to protect your data and ensure privacy, be sure to read this article :)

Why is it necessary for cloud storage to have end-to-end encryption?

It is extremely important for cloud storage to incorporate end-to-end encryption for data security and privacy protection. With this encryption method, data is encrypted on the user's device and remains encrypted until it reaches the destination cloud server. This means that even while data is stored in the cloud, external individuals or malicious entities cannot view its contents.

When storing various types of data in the cloud, such as important documents, personal information, or confidential data, choosing cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is essential. Users can have peace of mind knowing that their data is protected with the highest level of security and their privacy is respected.

Even if using cloud storage that does not feature end-to-end encryption, it is possible to use free software like Cryptomator to encrypt files locally before safely uploading them. However, encrypting files locally can be cumbersome, and there is even a risk of permanently losing the means to decrypt files if the decryption key is accidentally lost.

To mitigate these risks, it is desirable to use cloud storage services that come with end-to-end encryption functionality as a standard feature. Here, we will introduce four cloud storage services that we recommend for their high level of security.

Top 4 Cloud Storage Services with End-to-End Encryption

Tresorit

https://tresorit.com/

Tresorit stands out as a cloud storage service emphasizing end-to-end encryption as its major selling point. All data is encrypted client-side, meaning Tresorit cannot identify stored data, regardless of its content.

Pricing starts at $13.99 per month, but opting for annual billing offers a discount down to $11.99 per month.

Moreover, Tresorit offers integration with Gmail and Outlook. By automatically encrypting files attached to emails via Tresorit, it facilitates secure file transfers. For more details, visit https://tresorit.com/tresorit-for-gmail.

pCloud

https://www.pcloud.com/

Similar to Tresorit, pCloud markets itself as a secure cloud storage service. Like Tresorit, files are encrypted locally before being uploaded to the cloud, ensuring no risk of interception by communication channels or server administrators.

The standout feature of pCloud lies in its pricing plans. It offers lifetime licenses for purchase, providing a one-time payment for cloud storage usage. Storage options include 500GB for $199, 2TB for $399, and 10TB for $1190. Hence, for a cost similar to purchasing a regular SSD, you can acquire cloud storage for permanent use.

MEGA

https://mega.io/

MEGA, founded by Kim Dotcom (Kim Schmitz), the former operator of MEGAUPLOAD, is a cloud storage service that prioritizes end-to-end encryption. Learning from the failure of MEGAUPLOAD, MEGA provides secure cloud storage where even MEGA itself cannot discern the data uploaded by users.

One standout feature of MEGA is its generous storage allocation even for free users, offering 20GB of storage. Positioned as a groupware platform, MEGA also provides secure chat tools and private video call features.

Moreover, MEGA offers extremely high transfer limits compared to other cloud storage services and supports file versioning, making it an ideal choice for frequent data transfers.

Proton

https://proton.me/

Proton is a suite of privacy-focused software provided by Proton AG, headquartered in Switzerland. In addition to Proton Drive, Proton includes Proton Mail, an end-to-end encrypted email software, Proton VPN, offering unlimited use of no-log policy VPNs worldwide, and Proton Pass and Proton Calendar, secure password management and scheduler tools, respectively.

Proton offers various pricing plans, but it's highly recommended to use Proton Unlimited or Proton Family. Proton Unlimited bundles 500GB of Proton Drive with paid versions of Proton Mail and Proton VPN. With Proton Unlimited costing less than half the price compared to subscribing to VPN and email services separately, it's an economically ideal service for those needing secure email and VPN services.

Choosing Secure Cloud Storage

We've introduced four cloud storage services, each with its own features. The choice of which service to use depends on individual needs and preferences. Here's a brief summary of each service's characteristics:

1. Tresorit: Provides end-to-end encryption and emphasizes security. It offers robust features suitable for businesses, prioritizing privacy and data protection.

2. pCloud: Offers high storage capacity, file sharing features, and an intuitive user interface. Its one-time payment option makes it cost-effective for personal use.

3. MEGA: Provides end-to-end encryption and generous storage even for free users. It's recommended for users who want to try secure cloud storage without committing to a paid plan immediately.

4. Proton Drive: Focuses on privacy and security, integrated with other privacy-focused services like Proton Mail and Proton VPN. It's suitable for users who prioritize privacy in all aspects of their online activities.

Comparing the features and pricing plans of these services can help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Advanced Security Protection

We've discussed preventing data leaks by using secure cloud storage. However, various security risks exist on the internet, one of which is the risk of leaking personal information through phone numbers.

Many online services require users to input their phone numbers for identification purposes, leading to risks such as identity verification, credit checking, and geo-blocking.

To mitigate these risks, SMSOnline provides users worldwide with free disposable phone numbers, allowing users to receive SMS messages online without exposing their real phone numbers.

https://www.smsonline.cloud/

SMSOnline is an online service that shares disposable phone numbers from around the world, allowing users to view SMS messages sent to each phone number on the web.

By using SMSOnline, there is no need to expose one's real phone number online.
Additionally, SMSOnline continuously acquires phone numbers from over 20 countries, including Tier1 countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, and Germany, with over 100 phone numbers always available online.
With easy access to international phone numbers, it's simple to bypass geo-blocking restrictions enforced by mobile phone number authentication.

By using this service in conjunction with the cloud storages introduced today, you can reduce your online footprint and minimize traces of your activities on the internet.