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All good things must come to an end, and Amazon Drive is one of them. In an email dated July 29, Amazon informed us that we will no longer be able to upload files to Drive in early 2023. The email also explained that we must remove all files from Amazon Drive by December 31, 2023. Otherwise , these files will face digital death.
As Drive disappears, many people are wondering where they should store their digital documents. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives to Amazon Drive. Here we highlight our favorite cloud storage services so you can choose a new digital home for your files.
The most popular option: Dropbox
When you ask someone to name a cloud storage service, Dropbox is likely to come to mind first. And there’s a good reason this service is so popular. Dropbox comes with 2 GB of free storage, and you can upgrade to a paid plan with up to 5 TB of storage. Dropbox is also compatible with Apple and Android products, as well as computers running Windows. Plus, you can access Dropbox from any browser, so there’s no need to install any software.
You can rest easy when you store your files with Dropbox, thanks to the strong security of the platform. When files are at rest, Dropbox encrypts them using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) then protects data as it moves between Dropbox applications and Dropbox servers.
Best for Those Who Already Use Google: Google Drive
Google is more than the search engine of choice for most people. It is also the most popular email service provider. If you are among the billions of people with a Gmail address, Google Drive might be the best cloud storage service for you. Also, if you have an Android phone or a Chromebook, there’s a good chance it’s already installed on your device.
The beauty of Google Drive is that it syncs with more than just the files you create in Google productivity products like Google Docs or Google Sheets. You can also store all file formats, from PDF to Microsoft documents and even photos and videos. When using Google Drive, you will receive 15 GB of free storage. You can also easily and affordably add up to 2TB of storage.
Best for Microsoft Office Users: OneDrive
Those who live in the world of Microsoft may find Microsoft OneDrive to be the best way to store files digitally. The platform fully integrates with all Microsoft apps, so it automatically syncs across all your devices, keeping your files and data safe and secure.
Speaking of security, OneDrive offers many features to keep your information safe. These measures range from encrypting each file with a unique AES256 key while at rest to using TLS encryption for files in motion. You can take advantage of these features when you sign up for a free account, which provides 5 GB of storage. Then you can pay a bit more for a storage upgrade.
Best for Apple Fans: Apple iCloud
Anyone with an iPhone, Mac, or iPad is familiar with Apple iCloud. However, this cloud storage app is not just limited to Apple devices. You can also use it on Android devices. Plus, you can use iCloud to store photos, videos, and files in a wide variety of formats.
Apple takes security very seriously, starting with the requirement that all new Apple IDs have two-factor authentication. Also, you can decide what kind of encryption and security you want for your account. Standard Data Protection is the default, but you can opt for Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. Doing this ensures that only your trusted devices keep the encryption keys for your iCloud data. You can enjoy these features with 5 GB of free storage or upgrade to get more.
Best for Security Features: Box
When it comes to cloud storage services, Box doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. This all-in-one app comes with built-in support for major productivity tools, including Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365. Security, though, is where Box really shines.
This app is committed to keeping your data and documents safe. For example, Box Core Security provides identity, access management, and device security controls. Box Shield works to prevent data breaches with intelligent threat detection and advanced security controls. Box even allows users to manage document retention and deletion policies, making it ideal for businesses. The first 10 GB of Box storage is free and there is always the possibility to increase your storage.
Best for Collaboration and File Sharing: Sync
As you may have guessed from the name, Sync automatically syncs across all devices, including iOS and Android. This app not only syncs files but also keeps them safe with end-to-end encryption.
One of the best aspects of Sync is its ability to allow employees and customers to instantly and securely share files, no matter how large they are. To enhance security, you can choose to password protect all files. Users also love that it is possible to preview a document without having to download it first. The free plan for Sync comes with 5GB of storage, and you can pay a fee to upgrade to 6TB.
All of these cloud storage services provide a great way to back up your files. However, for maximum peace of mind in the form of file redundancy, you should consider using an external hard drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or better yet, network attached storage (NAS). Doing so will ensure that you always have an extra copy of your important documents and precious photos.
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