Whether you are switching to a new device or want to protect your data in case of any damage, a cloud backup is an excellent solution. It keeps your data intact and up-to-date, preventing file loss and all associated issues.

, Google Drive might seem the most logical option as the system’s native platform. In this guide, 

you will learn how to use Google’s cloud solution to keep your files and data safe

and suggest a few alternatives worth exploring.

How to back up your phone to the cloud with Google Drive

Google makes it easy for Android users to back up all essential data, including:

The process is straightforward and involves a few simple steps:

Tap the hamburger menu in the top-right corner

 to enable backups (you’ll see the Google One page with backup details)

Once the backup is finished, you will see it in the 

you can restore any of the versions on the list.

Why Google cloud phone backup is not the best option for your data

While using Google Drive to back up your data is quick and easy, it comes with a major drawback—poor security. Google is known for 

, and its security features aren’t exactly top-of-the-line.

encryption is an essential security layer

. It scrambles your data to make it incomprehensible to everyone besides the person with the decryption key. 

Whoever owns the key can access plaintext data

, so ownership is a crucial consideration.

 With E2EE, files are encrypted on your device and stored on the cloud as such. Since the user’s device creates and stores the decryption key, the provider cannot see the unencrypted data.

Google Drive doesn’t implement this technology fully, leaving significant vulnerabilities. 

You get client-side encryption of the backup itself, but not for the entire drive.

Google protects data at rest—like archives and backups—with AES-256 encryption. This is a decent protocol, but 

encryption happens on Drive using Google’s keys

. If anyone steals the keys by breaching the server, they’ll have access to all your data. An attacker might be unable to access or modify your backup, but they can corrupt your drive and see all other files.

 that gives you more security and control over your files and backups. Luckily, several providers can give you the necessary peace of mind.

Best Android cloud backup—three platforms reviewed

 to Google Drive or other Big Tech solutions that invade users’ privacy, the following options are worth considering:

Each platform implements strong security measures to safeguard your data, but 

they are not equally suitable for all user categories

, as you’ll learn in the detailed breakdowns below.

Icedrive is highly secure and easy to use, which makes it a great option for users new to end-to-end encrypted cloud drives. It offers several useful features, but it might not be the right choice if you are looking for a free backup solution.

Icedrive offers a free plan and three subscription-based tiers:

—$1.67/month billed annually (no monthly option)

—$4.99/month ($4.17/month billed annually)

—$17.99/month ($15/month billed annually)

you can use if you are certain Icedrive is the right provider for you:

, Icedrive uses advanced encryption protocols to safeguard users’ files. It implements the Twofish algorithm, which many cryptographers consider more secure than the popular AES protocol. The latter is still more widely used because of its performance, though the lower speed of Twofish shouldn’t bother most users as it’s not particularly noticeable.

Icedrive’s Android app is well-optimized and straightforward. 

, with the familiar left-side sliding menu housing the app’s features. There is no learning curve that would impair the overall user experience, so you can start 

The platform supports file sharing but lacks other collaboration features. This might not bother you if you are only looking to back up your data, but it does mean 

you’d need another cloud solution to work or collaborate

. Choosing a more comprehensive solution might be a better idea than having to manage multiple accounts.

, which is quite generous compared to many providers. The problem is that 

you don’t get client-side encryption with it

—you must subscribe to one of the paid tiers to get zero-knowledge E2EE.

the lack of a monthly option for the Lite tier

. You must either commit annually or go with some of the more expensive plans. Many users are not willing to spend so much on end-to-end encryption, especially since some providers offer it for free.

pCloud is a Swiss cloud provider compliant with the country’s strict data regulations, which ensures a high level of security and privacy. It’s an affordable solution, but it suffers from the same issues as Icedrive—keeping the most useful features behind a paywall.

pCloud has different pricing tiers for its three main user categories:

—$10.69/user per month/$8.55 per month billed annually

—$21.38/user per month/$17.10 per month billed annually

pCloud is a comprehensive drive solution with multi-platform support, and its Android client is gaining popularity thanks to strong security and ease of use. The interface resembles Android’s built-in file browser, so backing up your files is as simple as moving them between folders. You get pre-installed folders for music, photos, and videos, and you can create others as needed.

 and lets users store their files on servers in Luxembourg or the U.S. 

The former might be a better option for sensitive files

, as there’s a lower chance of the provider handing out user data to the authorities.

pCloud supports zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption, but 

. At $53.52 annually ($160.58 lifetime), it’s quite pricey when you factor in the base subscription costs. You would have to pay over $100 per year for the whole package even with the cheapest tier, as 

individual plans don’t have a monthly option.

 with an option to unlock up to 10 GB. The effort might not be worth it as you still wouldn’t have end-to-end encryption without a separate payment.

 is an end-to-end encrypted cloud service offering all the security measures you need to keep your backups safe. While it is not much cheaper than an average privacy-first provider, 

 doesn’t reserve important security features for paid users.

Skiff Drive comes with a generous free plan alongside three 

—$4 per month ($3 per month billed annually)

—$10 per month ($8 per month billed annually)

—$15/user per month ($12 per month billed annually)

Skiff Drive’s main advantage is a robust free plan encompassing numerous cutting-edge security measures. The platform offers zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption at no cost, so users can enjoy complete privacy without investments.

. All data reaches Skiff’s servers encrypted, so 

nobody—including their team—can access plaintext copies or decryption keys

Your login credentials get the same treatment—

, and you don’t need to leave any personal information to 

. You can also set up two-factor authentication to fortify your account against 

Besides these security features, the free plan comes with:

Optional InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) integration

Cloud backup for Android—is Google Drive the best way to keep your data safe?

Cloud storage is an integral part of today’s business environment and people’s personal data management. It offers more convenience and flexibility than hard drives, letting you access important files wherever you are—as long as you have an internet connection.

you will learn everything you should know about the features and benefits of cloud storage drives

. We will also discuss the risks to help you take the necessary precautions and store your files without privacy concerns.

What is cloud storage, and how does it work?

Cloud storage is a data deposit method allowing users to save files on an off-site virtual location managed by a third party. It removes the need for physical data centers and lets users access and manage stored files from any internet-enabled device. Many solutions also provide offline access, letting you open or even edit files when you can’t connect to a network.

The way cloud storage systems work is relatively straightforward:

The user connects to a data server and sends copies of their files

The data is saved on a physical server and made available on a virtual drive

The user can access and manipulate the data directly on the server or request copies

This explanation was simplified for clarity’s sake—in reality, 

your data can be scattered across hundreds of servers around the globe

. This is called redundancy, and cloud providers do this to ensure users can access their files if a particular server loses power or needs maintenance.

Depending on your provider, you’ll get varying amounts of space you can access through a browser or dedicated app. Most cloud services offer a user-friendly interface to let users manage and share files without complications.

Different types of online storage methods

When talking about cloud storage, people implicitly refer to public cloud services. It’s the most common type with the widest application, offered by numerous providers (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.). There are three other deployment methods mainly used by organizations:

The above three types have limited use cases, while 

public storage is the most commercial data deployment method suitable for 

. It offers numerous benefits that make it easy for users to archive, edit, and manage files with minimal risks of data loss.

Online storage offers many advantages over physical drives, most notably:

Cloud storage is a reliable way to avoid data loss

All hardware is prone to amortization and damage, and physical drive solutions are no different. If you rely solely on your hard drive to store important files, you risk losing them if the drive malfunctions. You may be able to salvage some data through a dedicated restoration service, but doing so typically involves significant costs.

Cloud solutions minimize the possibility of such losses thanks to redundancy (scattering your data across multiple servers)

. The chances of all servers storing your data failing simultaneously are virtually zero, so having online copies of your files can give you peace of mind.

This is why cloud storage is an excellent solution for archiving valuable files you don’t access frequently, like old family photos or financial statements (if you’re a business owner). Whatever happens to the local copies, you’ll always have a backup.

Simplifying remote work and collaboration

Remote work couldn’t exist in its current form without cloud storage. A comprehensive solution comes with numerous collaboration features letting you stay productive regardless of where you’re working.

You can share files without using third-party transfer services or even email.

 All you need is a link or an invitation, and you can seamlessly collaborate with your team.

Physical drives are quite limiting unless you invest in an option offering massive storage, which can be pricey. Even if you do, you might leave much of that space unfilled and waste money.

Cloud services don’t suffer from this problem as you can adapt them to your needs. 

You can start small and upgrade as needed, ensuring the best value for money.

 Most cloud storage solutions are reasonably priced, so you can get the space you need for a few dollars per month.

Most cloud storage providers make their options compatible with all major platforms. From web services to iOS and 

, you can access your files using most modern desktop or mobile devices.

you don’t need to manually transfer files between devices

. If you use a service equipped with document editors or collaboration tools, you can leave work for later and pick up where you left off on another device.

Speaking of such extra features, you should consider your needs before choosing a cloud storage provider, especially if you’ll pay for the service.

Typical cloud storage features to look for

Cloud storage services can vary greatly in feature availability, so think about why you need a drive before exploring your options. Some basic features to assess include:

—Stores previous versions of your files and lets you access them to make changes retroactively

—This is the equivalent of a recycle bin on your computer. You should be able to access deleted files for a certain period before they’re removed entirely

—You should be able to organize your files using folders and labels

—Some cloud solutions only support specific file types, while others, like 

On top of this, some platforms offer helpful add-ons, such as:

—The service lets you access files without an internet connection by leveraging your device’s local storage. You can’t upload files, but some platforms let you queue them so that they’re automatically uploaded when you connect to a network

—You can control what the recipient can do with a file you send (editing, downloading, etc.)

—Some storage solutions let you connect them to various tools so you can expand their usability

No matter how useful these features are, none of them matter if your cloud provider doesn’t check 

Security risks of cloud storage solutions

 is one of the main reasons some people still prefer to store important files on physical drives. They’re typically concerned about:

When you upload your data to the cloud, it’s no longer managed by you. Some users aren’t comfortable relying on a third party to safeguard their files. If their servers are damaged or infected by malware, your files might get corrupted or lost.

Luckily, this isn’t a common issue. In most cases, providers do a solid job of keeping your files safe. A bigger concern is file sharing, especially with the rise of link sharing as a standard method. Once you send a link to someone, it’s hard to restrict further distribution of your files.

This is why you should exercise caution when sharing links to files or folders.

 A handy feature offered by advanced cloud storage platforms like Skiff is 

, which lets you set a date by which the shared files are available. After that, the link will no longer work, so you’ll regain full control of your files.

Common cyberattacks targeting cloud storage

Every online service comes with a risk of 

. With cloud storage, a malicious party can either target the end user or the provider’s servers.

A good example of the latter is a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack.

 It’s an attempt to crash a server by overwhelming its infrastructure. The attacker floods the server with traffic it can’t handle, causing it to slow down or crash altogether.

As for end-user attacks, they typically involve attempts to steal login credentials. The most common types include:

—The hacker tries to guess the password by starting with the most common ones. They use specialized software to submit numerous passwords at high speed until they crack it

—A form of social engineering where the attacker impersonates a legitimate service and asks for personal details or login credentials. The user gets an email with a URL leading them to a fake login page designed to record their username and password

The best way to protect yourself from these attacks is by 

setting a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication

. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your storage without a one-time code sent to your trusted device.

How much privacy do you get with cloud services?

If you’re a privacy-conscious user, it’s normal to be skeptical about cloud storage. After all, you’re uploading copies of important files to a space managed by someone else.

It doesn’t help that some of the biggest online storage providers are 

. Google is a great example, as the company is infamous for invading user privacy. From 

 to frequently changing its privacy policies, Google has made many moves that damaged users’ trust.

 featuring advanced security and privacy measures. If you want to keep your files safe and confidential, 

service with end-to-end encryption (E2EE)

Standard encryption vs. end-to-end encryption

Encryption is the practice of turning data into a string of unintelligible characters so that unauthorized parties can’t read it. Big Tech cloud services offer standard encryption divided into two categories:

 sitting on the provider’s servers using an algorithm like 

—Safeguards data while it’s traveling through the network with SSL or 

Some providers offer both encryption types, making users believe their files are completely safe. This is only true to an extent, as the encryption happens on their servers, leaving a large vulnerability that the provider and an attacker can exploit.

Server-side encryption means your files are encrypted using the service’s key once you have uploaded them. As the provider owns the decryption key, 

they can access your files and read their contents.

This is in stark contrast to end-to-end encryption, which allows the user’s device to create and store the encryption key. 

E2EE offers far better security and privacy than standard encryption,

With E2EE, you don’t need to worry about your files being visible to anyone but you and the people you decide to share them with. If you want to enjoy this level of privacy and secure your files with state-of-the-art measures, 

 is a secure alternative to Big Tech cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. It uses advanced end-to-end encryption to give users full ownership and control of their files.

You can store files of any type and rest assured that 

nobody—including Skiff’s team—can’t access them

. Your files are enciphered on your device before reaching the servers, where they’re stored in their encrypted form.

If you decide to share a file, only the recipient can decipher it using a private decryption key that isn’t shared with anyone. Sharing links are end-to-end encrypted as well, which means only the decryption key holder can open them.

Skiff Drive’s standout features ensure complete privacy and security

With Skiff Drive, privacy starts the moment you sign up. 

You don’t need to leave any personal information to get started

, and Skiff uses zero-knowledge authentication. The platform won’t store your login credentials, so you can enjoy complete anonymity.

Unlike many cloud providers, Skiff doesn’t charge for this level of privacy. You can 

 and take advantage of various useful features:

—More space than you would get with most end-to-end encrypted drives

—All you have to do is select the folders and files you want to move from another cloud solution or your hard drive, and you can transfer them immediately

Comprehensive file management and organization features

—You can sort files by various criteria and organize them using folders and labels

—Share files within or outside your organization using E2EE viewable and editable links

—IPFS is the largest decentralized storage network offering users a secure space for their files

, and other wallets to share files securely and anonymously. You can also upgrade to Skiff’s 

You can learn more about these features and the company’s encryption method by reading Skiff’s 

. The platform is open source and fully transparent, so developers and the general public can review the codebase and validate its security measures.

Besides Drive, Skiff offers three end-to-end encrypted platforms you can access at no extra cost:

, so only the recipient with the decryption key can read its contents. You can organize your mail using folders and labels, and you’ll get four Skiff.com aliases to manage emails from multiple addresses with ease

 goes hand-in-hand with secure cloud storage, letting you 

. You can invite multiple team members to create a streamlined workflow in an end-to-end encrypted environment. File versioning, link sharing, and fast text search enable smooth and frictionless collaboration, supercharging your productivity

 helps you stay organized and schedule private events. It syncs with Skiff Mail and automatically pulls events from forwarded email accounts. You can 

create shared calendars and hold video conferences 

to gather your team in a secure E2EE space

, and macOS devices, so you can enjoy complete privacy wherever you are.

Cloud storage—types, benefits, and security

With the continuing rise of remote work, the need for 

 is rapidly growing. Data security is the 

 of businesses using cloud solutions, and for a good reason—you’re entrusting a third party with a plethora of sensitive information.

cloud data protection is a set of principles you must follow to keep your information and files safe

 from unauthorized access or misuse. It has evolved into a comprehensive practice every business owner should be familiar with.

Reason cloud-based data protection is such a vital concept

Best ways to keep your data safe in the cloud environment

Why every business should care about data protection in the cloud

—Sensitive data actively used by software to perform various actions

—Any data moving through the network between endpoints

—All files and information stored on the cloud

Each data type is exposed to specific risks you must mitigate. 

, but internal hazards can be equally dangerous. Robust cloud protection is necessary for several reasons, including:

Prevention of misunderstandings related to security responsibilities

Security consistency across multiple cloud solutions