Cloud Storage in Danger: Why Governments are Making Our Data Unsafe

The latest developments in the US and the UK, where the government is pressuring Apple to introduce a backdoor into the iCloud, are an alarming signal for the security of our digital data. What is being sold as a measure to fight crime turns out to be a direct attack on data protection and IT security worldwide. But that's just the beginning. Anyone who uses cloud services should now at the latest realize the massive risks they are exposed to.

The Iissue

Governments Demand Backdoors to Encrypted Data

The British government has invoked the right to access encrypted data in the cloud – and is demanding that Apple and other providers deliberately build security vulnerabilities into their products. Apple responded by withdrawing the Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature, which enables end-to-end encryption of iCloud data, for UK users.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

• Data you store in the cloud is no longer truly secure
  If a state forces direct access, all data can be decrypted and searched.

• Once a backdoor exists, it's not just there for the “good guys”
  Hackers, intelligence agencies and even competing companies could also exploit it.

• International signal effect
  If the UK takes this step, other countries will follow. The US or China could impose similar requirements. This could mean the end of secure cloud storage.

The Biggest Risks

Why This Is a Fire Hazard For All Users

1. A State Decides on Your Digital Privacy

Governments argue that they are combating terrorism, child abuse and other serious crimes – which initially sounds understandable. But access to encrypted cloud data ultimately means that the state decides what remains private and what does not. Who can guarantee that this access will not also be used for political purposes? How long will it take before authoritarian governments use these backdoors for mass surveillance?

2. Backdoors Are an Invitation to Hackers

A security vulnerability that is deliberately built in is always a danger. No matter how well it is hidden or protected, someone will eventually find a way in. State actors are often not the only ones who want to gain access. Cybercriminals and spies also benefit from every backdoor.

The risk:

• Personal data, financial information and business data could fall into the wrong hands.
• Targeted cyber attacks on individuals and companies become easier.
• Whistleblowers, journalists and members of the opposition are at serious risk.

3. Cloud Storage Is Becoming Insecure Again – a Step Backwards To The 2000s

In recent years, the cloud has been a practical and relatively secure solution for SaaS solutions, backups, data exchange and synchronization between devices. But if providers are now being forced to weaken or even sabotage their encryption, the question arises: is cloud storage still an option at all? Companies and private users need to consider whether they really want to store their sensitive data on servers that governments can search at any time if they have doubts.

4. Companies are losing trust in cloud providers

Cloud services are big business – but if customers can no longer be sure that their data will remain private, they will look for alternatives.

• Companies that need to protect trade secrets may increasingly rely on their own servers.
• Human rights organizations and journalists will look for secure alternatives.
• Consumers who have taken cloud services for granted may look for decentralized solutions.

In short, cloud storage providers risk losing their core competencies: trust and security.

What Can You Do About It?

1. Local Encryption Before Uploading

If you still want to use cloud storage, you should encrypt your data before uploading it. Various tools make it possible to store data securely – even if the provider is forced to open backdoors. Unfortunately, this requires additional effort.

2. Focus on Decentralized Solutions

Store your data locally. Alternatives such as self-hosted server solutions offer control over your own data – without the risk of a provider being forced to install backdoors at some point.

3. Use Your Common Sense

Watch for further developments. The developments in the UK are surely just the beginning. It is likely that other countries will make similar demands. Anyone who uses cloud services should regularly check to see if their provider operates in a country that demands access to encrypted data.

Conclusion

The Cloud Is No Longer What It Used To Be

Cloud storage has long been a convenient solution, but political influence is making it increasingly insecure. Once a state is given the ability to decrypt encrypted data, the floodgates are opened – and the threat to digital privacy worldwide is enormous. Companies in particular should now, at the latest, be thinking about how to protect their data – before it's too late.