Bangkok--15 Oct--Trend Micro
Trend Micro Calls for Personal Data Security as Cloud Storage Booms Users should take preventive measures to keep the digital life safe and whole
With its multiple functions that help to handle tasks normally requiring hardware and downloadable software, personal cloud storage subscriptions have shown significant growth over the years. According to the results of IDC’s latest cloud survey, 19% of APAC retailers have started looking to adopt some practice of cloud computing services, and more than 30% are evaluating cloud implementation in the next 2-5 years.
The increasing usage of personal cloud storage is mainly due to convenience and cost-effectiveness. For example, one-click note-taking and bookmarking services such as Evernote are rapidly being adopted in Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan. Users need less hardware to upload data; they save time and computing power as the cloud handles half the original workload. Free or cheap apps that facilitate media downloading, social sharing, banking, and phone call services are widely available.
From a recent research, the top five cloud activities are webmail, online banking, online shopping, photo uploads, and social networking. “People nowadays store photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Picasa. Files are uploaded to Dropbox or Google Drive,” said Myla Pilao, Director of Marketing Communications at TrendLabs, “However, while users are heading to the cloud, they may not know what kind of threat they are going to face.”
In the case of consumers in Asia, they are generally more willing to divulge their personal data in return for free services and better-targeted ads, which could lead to increased risk of data leakage.
There are certainly several possible risks users might encounter while using the cloud service.
Threat campaigns
More threat campaigns will target cloud providers in different ways. Cybercriminals can easily hack accounts with weak or recycled passwords or unencrypted data.
Flaws in the system
App flaws or bugs may put data at risk as they open doors for cybercriminals to hack into. These flaws can start from the app interface themselves. The majority of popular free apps put different types of users’ databases at risk.
Additional costs
You may be charged to use mobile data or apps. Malicious apps can even incur premium service charges to your next bill.
Access woes
Weak Internet connection, service downtime, and outages can slow down access to data or cloud-based software.
Provider data leakage
Using cloud services gives control to your providers. Dropbox users were once spammed because of third party sites linked to the service. Hackers also publicly released information on 1M Apple device users, a portion of information allegedly from more than 12M Apple iOS devices.
The Human Factor
Malicious insiders or attackers will use social engineering scams against unknowing employees.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
DDoS attacks toward cloud-based services make it difficult to access or control cloud apps. Even a person with minimal technical know-how can buy a kit to do this.
Trend Micro and TrendLabs provides following tips for personal cloud storage users to protect themselves:
Always update your apps.
App developers address service bugs and fix flaws through updates.
Use cloud-based services like Trend Micro? SafeSync?
Trend Micro? SafeSync? will automatically encrypt data you upload, as well as back up and sync your data in your PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. With 24/7 access via desktop, mobile, and sites using Trend Micro data centers, all the sharing is secured by options such as passwords, expiry dates, and disabling links.
Be aware of unknown links
Don’t click links or open attachments from suspicious-looking emails; the same applies for instant messages (IMs) and private messages on social networking sites.
Guard your mobile devices
Use mobile security programs like Trend Micro? Mobile Security to block malicious apps.
Raise the security level of your passwords
Change simple passwords into phrases that are hard for others to remember. Don’t recycle passwords or refer to popular media when creating new ones. Password managers like Trend Micro? DirectPass? allow you to use one master password for all your accounts.
Back up you mobile data
Use Trend Micro? Mobile Backup and Restore, it will come in handy when your device crashes or is stolen.