Encrypted Cloud Storage Options
Secure cloud storage with end-to-end encryption to protect your files from unauthorized access.
Why Encrypted Cloud Storage Matters
Traditional cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive) can access your files. Zero-knowledge encryption ensures only you can decrypt your data - even the provider can't see file contents.
Top Encrypted Storage Providers
Proton Drive
Free 5GB. €3.99/mo 200GB. Swiss-based. Zero-knowledge. From ProtonMail creators. Strong privacy laws.
Tresorit
$10.42/mo 500GB. Swiss-based. Enterprise-focused. Excellent security. GDPR compliant. Pricier.
MEGA
Free 20GB. €9.99/mo 400GB. End-to-end encryption. Generous free tier. Fast speeds.
Sync.com
Free 5GB. $8/mo 2TB. Canadian. Zero-knowledge. Easy to use. Good value for storage amount.
Internxt
Free 10GB. €9.99/mo 200GB. Open-source. Privacy-focused. Based in Spain. Modern interface.
Filen
Free 10GB. €0.92/mo 100GB. German-based. Zero-knowledge. Affordable. Lifetime plans available.
End-to-End Encryption vs Standard Cloud
Standard Cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive)
Provider can access files. May scan content. Vulnerable to data requests. Convenient but less private.
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Files encrypted on your device. Provider can't decrypt. True privacy. You must remember password.
Key Features to Look For
- Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Provider cannot access your files
- End-to-End Encryption: Files encrypted before upload, decrypted only by you
- Strong Encryption Standards: AES-256 or better
- Secure Sharing: Encrypted links, password protection, expiration dates
- Two-Factor Authentication: Protects account access
- File Versioning: Recover previous versions of files
- Cross-Platform: Apps for all devices
- Sync Speed: Fast upload/download despite encryption overhead
DIY Encryption with Standard Cloud
Cryptomator (Free)
Encrypts folders synced to any cloud. Works with Dropbox, Google Drive. Open-source. Add encryption to existing storage.
VeraCrypt
Create encrypted containers. Upload to any cloud. Maximum security. More technical setup.
7-Zip Encryption
Password-protect ZIP files with AES-256. Simple but less convenient for regular access.
Comparison: Storage Amount vs Price
Best Free Tier
MEGA (20GB free), Internxt (10GB), Filen (10GB). Good for testing or light use.
Best Value
Sync.com (2TB for $8/mo), Filen (very affordable per GB). Good storage-to-price ratio.
Most Secure
Tresorit (enterprise-grade), Proton Drive (Swiss privacy laws). Premium pricing.
Security Considerations
- Choose providers in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (Switzerland, Iceland)
- Verify independent security audits
- Use strong unique password for cloud account
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Don't share encryption keys
- Keep local backups of critical files
- Review sharing permissions regularly
When to Use Encrypted Storage
- Financial documents and tax returns
- Medical records and health information
- Legal documents and contracts
- Personal identification (passports, licenses)
- Sensitive business files
- Private photos and videos
- Password database backups
- Any data you wouldn't want public
Limitations
Collaboration Limitations
Real-time editing harder with encryption. Some providers lack Google Docs-style features.
Password Recovery
Forget encryption password = lose data forever. No provider recovery possible with zero-knowledge.
Speed Overhead
Encryption/decryption adds processing time. Modern devices handle well but noticeable on older hardware.