Cloud storage: How secure are Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive and iCloud?

Cloud storage is the future of information logistics – but how secure are these cloud storage sites?
If you were to be influenced purely by the more tabloid of tech publications, with headlines screaming about hacked databases, compromised passwords and secret service data probing then you wouldn't touch the cloud with a bargepole.
Truth be told, cloud services are not as insecure as the occasionally screaming headlines make out. In fact, there's much to be said for the argument that Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive and OneDrive have both the money and motivation to make their data stores much more secure than you could hope to achieve on your meagre budget yourself.
How secure is Dropbox?
Dropbox has survived security scares and hardened its security posture accordingly
Dropbox dropped the ball back in 2012 as far as security was concerned when it admitted that a compromised password had been used to access an employee Dropbox account which gave access to a document containing some user email addresses which then got spammed.
Stored data was never at risk though, but it served as a wake-up call as to how reputational damage can impact a cloud business. Since then Dropbox has upped its game on the login front, with optional two-step verification (via text message or Time-Based One Time Password apps) adding an extra layer of security to user accounts.
Like most cloud services, Dropbox employees cannot view the content of the files you store but can access metadata if they need to in order to provide tech support for instance. Dropbox makes it clear, however, that a small number of employees can access stored files if required to for legal reasons.
Data in transit is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and at rest using AES-256 bit encryption to which Dropbox holds the keys. Lost or stolen devices can be easily 'unlinked' from your account to further mitigate the risk of unauthorised access.
The business version, Dropbox Pro, adds an ability to enable viewer permissions for collaborative usage and set both passwords and expirations for shared links which hardens the security posture for power users.
How secure is iCloud?
Two-step verification is a must-have for any security-aware cloud user
Although Apple iCloud came under fire in 2017 when hackers apparently stole photos of celebrities and published them online, this was less a case of iCloud being insecure and more a case of those celebs getting their AppleID passwords compromised through successful phishing attacks elsewhere.
In fact, Apple has a pretty good reputation when it comes to security across its devices, but how does that translate into cloud services?
Well, Apple says that data is encrypted both in transit (using SSL) and at rest on the server. Rather than using AES-256 bit encryption everywhere, however, it uses "a minimum of 128-bit AES" which is considerably less secure. The only thing that I can see where 256-bit is employed is for the iCloud keychain (used to store and transmit passwords and credit card data, also employing elliptic curve asymmetric cryptography and key wrapping which is good) so have to assume all other data is protected by weaker encryption which is not particularly encouraging.
The iCloud keychain encryption keys, however, are created on your own devices and Apple can't access them. Apple says it cannot access any of the core material that could be used to decrypt that key data and only trusted devices that you have approved can access your iCloud keychain.
Secure tokens are used for authentication when accessing iCloud from other Apple apps (such as Mail and Calendar) and there is optional two-step verification (which can be turned on at https://appleid.apple.com/account/home) via text message or device generated code for making changes to account information or signing into iCloud from a new device.
How secure is Google Drive?
One account shall access them all – so securing your login is paramount
Google has also fallen victim to the password compromise security scares that impact on so many services. Last year it was claimed that nearly 5 million Gmail accounts had been hacked when a database was dumped on a Russian security forum.
Because Google Drive uses the same Google account for login as Gmail, the danger was that everything was compromised as a result. It turned out, however, that the dump was of old phished passwords and at most 2% may have worked – but were all reset by Google anyway.
What this illustrates is how much of the security of a service such as Google Drive, which uses a single account to access multiple services, depends on the user protecting that login. Google now uses HTTPS on all of its services, which is to be applauded, and also implements 'internal measures' to look out for potentially compromised account login activity.
In addition, Google offers two-step verification like the other services mentioned here. As for your data itself, this is encrypted in transit (to and from your device, and also between Google data centres) using SSL but only stored at rest using 128-bit AES like iCloud.
source itpro
Industry: Cyber Security & Cloud Computing

Latest Jobs
-
- Cloud Architect- German Speaker
- Hungary
- Upto €48000 per year + bonus + benefits
-
As a Senior Pre-Sales Solutions Architect, you will play a pivotal role in driving our sales success by translating complex technical solutions into compelling proposals that resonate with our clients. You will collaborate closely with our sales teams to understand customer needs, design tailored solutions, and negotiate successful deals. Responsibilities: Solution Design: Develop comprehensive technical solutions that align with customer business objectives and industry best practices. Proposal Development: Create compelling proposals, including requirements gathering questionnaires, presentation materials, and Statements of Work (SOWs). Customer Engagement: Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their technical, business, and commercial requirements. Collaboration: Work closely with sales teams, delivery teams, and third-party partners to ensure successful project execution. Pricing Strategy: Define and deliver pricing strategies that align with customer needs and company objectives. Requirements: Experience in technical pre-sales or sales support roles. Proven track record in designing and delivering successful customer solutions. Strong technical foundation in areas such as VMware, Azure, AWS, cloud computing, and data center technologies. Excellent understanding of sales principles, account management, and negotiation techniques. Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. Experience working in international teams and supporting clients across multiple regions. Fluency in German and English is essential. Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on challenging and rewarding projects Collaborative and supportive work environment Potential for career growth and advancement Please note that this role is focused on supporting German clients, but will also involve global client support as needed.
-
- Director Cyber Security Consulting Medical / Biotech / Biopharma. United Kingdom
- United Kingdom
- Generous salary, uncapped bonus, travel and usual benefits.
-
CH8431 Director Cyber Security Consulting Medical / Biotech / Biopharma. United Kingdom Looking to make Security Partner within 2-3 years? Do you have current experience selling / delivering cyber consulting & advisory services into Medical / Biotech / Biopharma? If so, we would like to speak with you. Apply today for a discreet conversation. This is a UK based opportunity. Current Cyber security consulting experience is essential, as is a network into the Pharmaceutical / Healthcare industry. Package- Generous salary, uncapped bonus, travel and usual benefits. 07884666351 | chris.holt@dclsearch.com
-
- Director Cyber Security Consulting Pharmaceutical / Healthcare. United Kingdom
- United Kingdom
- Generous salary, uncapped bonus, travel and usual benefits.
-
CH8430 Director Cyber Security Consulting Pharmaceutical / Healthcare. United Kingdom Looking to make Security Partner within 2-3 years? Do you have current experience selling / delivering cyber consulting & advisory services into Pharmaceutical / Healthcare? If so, we would like to speak with you. Apply today for a discreet conversation. This is a UK based opportunity. Current Cyber security consulting experience is essential, as is a network into the Pharmaceutical / Healthcare industry. Package- Generous salary, uncapped bonus, travel and usual benefits. 07884666351 | chris.holt@dclsearch.com
-
- Privileged Access Management (PAM) Specialist
- Germany
- upto €700 per day
-
We are looking for a Privileged Access Management (PAM) specialist to help us redesign our customer's administration environment and implement a PAM tool. The project is divided into two phases: a rough concept phase and a detailed concept phase. We need someone with deep knowledge of ITIL V4, product provisioning, automation, and standardization, as well as good knowledge of the cloud environment, Enterprise Vault, requirements documentation, and analysis. We also need someone with strong communication and team skills Ideally you will have experience with CyberArk, we do require someone who is fluent in German for this contract