Key security features of modern storage services
Encryption at rest and in transit
Encryption protects data by converting it into an unreadable format, which can only be reverted using the correct cryptographic key. In modern secure storage services, encryption is applied both when data is stored (at rest) and when it’s transmitted between devices or servers (in transit). This means that even if an attacker intercepts or gains unauthorized access to physical storage devices, the data remains inaccessible without decryption keys.
Encryption at rest ensures that stored files, databases, and even backup copies are protected against insider threats and data center breaches. Encryption in transit secures data moving through public or private networks. Advanced solutions may use protocols like TLS for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest.
Multi-factor authentication and identity management
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to verify their identity using two or more distinct methods, such as passwords, biometrics, and authentication apps. This dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized account access, even if login credentials are compromised. Secure storage services often integrate MFA into both their end-user and administrative consoles to ensure robust access security.
Identity management features extend secure access by allowing organizations to define, manage, and monitor user permissions at a granular level. These systems may integrate with directory services like LDAP or Active Directory, providing centralized control.
Data redundancy and backup strategies
Redundancy ensures that copies of data are stored in multiple locations, minimizing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, malicious attacks, or natural disasters. Secure storage services use techniques like data replication, snapshots, and geographically distributed data centers to achieve this.
As a result, if the primary storage is compromised, up-to-date copies remain available, ensuring business continuity with minimal downtime. Backup strategies go hand in hand with redundancy. Scheduled, automated backups, often versioned, allow organizations to quickly restore data to a specific point in time after accidental deletion or ransomware attacks.
Access control and audit logging
Access control defines which users or systems can view, modify, or delete specific data. Modern secure storage solutions provide granular access options, with policies assignable per user or group. Role-based access control (RBAC) lets organizations enforce least-privilege principles, ensuring that users only have access to the files necessary for their roles. This limits the impact of compromised accounts or insider attacks.
Audit logging records details about every access or modification event, creating a comprehensive audit trail. Logs can show which files were accessed, by whom, from which device, and at what time. These records are critical for regulatory compliance and forensic investigations, helping teams detect and respond to suspicious activities quickly.
Notable secure storage services: enterprise focus
1. NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP
Cloud Volumes ONTAP is a secure, enterprise-grade cloud storage solution designed to optimize data management across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Built on NetApp’s trusted ONTAP technology, it provides advanced storage efficiency, data protection, and seamless integration with leading cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. With a focus on scalability, performance, and security, Cloud Volumes ONTAP empowers organizations to manage their data with confidence and agility.
Key features include:
- Unified storage management: Centralize data management across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring consistent operations and simplified workflows.
- Storage efficiency: Leverage features like deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning to reduce storage costs without compromising performance.
- Data mobility: Seamlessly move data between cloud and on-premises environments with built-in replication and migration tools, enabling hybrid cloud strategies.
- Multi-protocol support: Access data using NFS, SMB, and iSCSI protocols, ensuring compatibility with diverse workloads and applications.
- Cloud-native integration: Integrate with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud services for optimized performance, cost management, and operational flexibility.
Security features include:
- Data encryption: Protect data at rest and in transit with AES-256 encryption and secure communication protocols, ensuring compliance with stringent security standards.
- Ransomware protection: Detect and recover from ransomware attacks with immutable snapshots and rapid restore capabilities.
- Role-based access control (RBAC): Enforce granular permissions to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive data.
- Compliance support: Align with regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA through robust security controls and data residency options.
- Disaster recovery: Ensure business continuity with automated backups, replication, and failover capabilities across regions and clouds.
Cloud Volumes ONTAP combines the reliability of ONTAP technology with the flexibility of the cloud, making it an ideal choice for enterprises seeking secure, scalable, and efficient data management solutions.
2. Tresorit
Tresorit is a secure cloud platform built for organizations that need to store, share, and collaborate on sensitive files without compromising on data privacy. It offers encryption with a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning only users (not even Tresorit) can access the content. It combines secure file storage, encrypted sharing, digital signatures, and secure email in a single interface.
Key features include:
- Encrypted file storage and sharing: Store and exchange files internally and externally with controls like passwords, watermarking, email notifications, and download open limits.
- Encrypted data rooms: Create branded, compartmentalized data rooms for clients and partners to manage projects, tasks, and files within an end-to-end encrypted workspace.
- Integrated eSign: Manage document signing within the platform, supporting end-to-end workflows without switching tools or exporting sensitive files to separate services.
- Secure email: Replace attachments with secure links or encrypt entire email content, enabling controlled sharing of large files and confidential communications.
- Data residency options: Choose storage regions, including Switzerland, GDPR-compliant locations, or overseas regions, to align data location with organizational, contractual, or regulatory requirements.
Security features include:
- Product suite and integrations: Use SecureCloud, FileSharing, and add-ons like EmailEncryption and eSign, with integrations for tools such as Google and Outlook.
- Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption: Platform operates with zero-knowledge architecture and end-to-end encryption, ensuring only users can access content, not the service provider.
- Encrypted data rooms and links: Client collaboration occurs in encrypted, branded spaces, and file sharing uses protected links with password controls and optional watermarking.
- Secure email encryption: Encrypt entire email contents or replace attachments with secure links to reduce exposure of confidential data during transmission.
- Compliance support: Features and operational controls align with frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, FINRA, NIS2, and DORA, supporting regulated collaboration requirements.
3. IDrive Enterprise
IDrive Enterprise provides centralized cloud backup for servers and workstations, with optional add-ons for SaaS applications and S3-compatible object storage via IDrive e2. Offerings include multi-computer backup for individuals, teams, and businesses, plus cloud applications backup for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Box.
Key features include:
- Backup for servers and workstations: Centralized cloud backup for servers, workstations, and endpoints, supporting multiple devices across individuals, teams, and business environments.
- Cloud applications backup add-ons: Backup Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Box data as add-ons, with per-seat licensing and a seven-day trial.
- S3-compatible object storage: Use IDrive e2 hot cloud object storage for backup targets and archives, featuring Amazon S3 compatibility for tooling and workload portability.
- Global data locations: Deploy storage in worldwide locations to align with performance or locality needs during backup, recovery, or migration activities.
- Free cloud migration: Switch from existing storage providers using included migration services, avoiding transfer bottlenecks when moving large backup datasets into the platform.
Security features include:
- Immutable storage options: Configure immutable storage to prevent modification or deletion during retention periods, supporting recovery from malicious changes and accidental deletions.
- Ransomware protection: Apply storage settings that block unauthorized alterations and support clean restores so backups remain recoverable after ransomware incidents.
Regulatory compliance: Operates with SOC 2 controls and supports GDPR and HIPAA compliance requirements for handling regulated or sensitive backup data.
Secure storage services: Personal/SMB focus
4. NordLocker
NordLocker is a secure cloud storage solution focused on user privacy and data protection. It offers encrypted file storage, backup, and sharing across desktop and mobile platforms. It uses a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning the provider cannot access customer files, only the user holds the encryption keys.
Key features include:
- Regional data hosting: Data residency options allow choosing Swiss or other jurisdictions to meet contractual obligations and sovereignty expectations.
- Encrypted cloud storage and sync: Upload files to encrypted cloud storage, synchronize across desktop, mobile, and web clients, and free local space while maintaining access.
- Cross-platform availability: Access and manage files on Windows, Android, iOS, and major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
- Private file sharing: Share encrypted items via email or link, using an additional code to control recipient access and strengthen sharing protections.
- Backup and recovery: Back up files to the cloud to maintain availability and recover content across devices when local copies are unavailable or compromised.
Security features include:
- Integrated privacy toolkit: Optionally pair with Nord Security tools for private browsing and password management to extend privacy coverage beyond stored files.
- End-to-end encryption: Files are encrypted client-side and remain encrypted across storage and transfer, preventing exposure during synchronization or sharing workflows.
- Zero-knowledge architecture: Encryption keys remain with the user, so the provider cannot access file contents or share them with third parties.
- Secure sharing controls: A unique code adds an extra authentication factor for shared items, limiting access even if a link is intercepted.
Protection against malware exposure: Cloud backups and encryption reduce the risk of data loss or unauthorized access from malware or device compromise.
5. pCloud
pCloud is a privacy-focused cloud storage platform that gives users control over how and where their data is stored. Based in Switzerland, pCloud adheres to some of the world’s strictest data protection laws. Users can store, access, and manage their files from any device, with the option to choose data residency in the EU or the US.
Key features include:
- File storage and access anywhere: Store, access, and manage files from anywhere using provider interfaces, keeping content available across devices and locations.
- Ease of management: Provides straightforward management experience for organizing files and controlling access, emphasizing simplicity in day-to-day operations.
- Operational reliability: Highlights 99.98% uptime and broad usage statistics, indicating mature operations designed for consistent availability.
- Performance focus: References accelerating servers and certified data centers built for secure, reliable access and responsive performance across regions.
- Global reach: Reports millions of users across many countries, reflecting worldwide adoption and service support in diverse geographies.
Security features include:
- Swiss jurisdiction and privacy standards: Operates under Swiss data protection laws, which emphasize user privacy and limit third-party data access.
- Encryption-focused design: Emphasizes strong encryption and a security posture centered on preventing unauthorized access to stored content.
- No tracking or third-party access: States no tracking and no third-party access, reducing external exposure and data sharing.
- Choice of data location: Enables customers to select EU or US storage regions, supporting data locality and compliance needs.
Certified data centers: Uses certified, security-focused data centers designed for maximum protection and availability of stored data.
6. Sync.com
Sync.com is a secure cloud storage platform to protect users’ files, privacy, and data ownership. With end-to-end encryption and a strict zero-knowledge policy, Sync ensures that only the user, not even the service itself, can access your files. Unlike traditional cloud providers, Sync never collects, shares, or sells personal information.
Key features include:
- Automatic backup, sync, and restore: Back up files in real time, restore deleted items and previous versions, and keep data synchronized across devices and users.
- Secure file sharing: Share files with private links, apply passwords and expiry dates, and receive notifications to maintain control over external access.
- Shared folder collaboration: Collaborate inside and outside the organization with shared folders that support role-based permissions and activity oversight.
- Client file portal: Provide branded client portals for exchanging files securely and organizing external collaboration without exposing internal systems.
- Remote file access: Access stored content from anywhere using Sync applications and web interfaces, maintaining continuity during travel or device loss.
Security features include:
- End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge: Encryption and authentication are designed so only the user can access content, preventing provider or third-party access.
- Privacy-first data practices: Does not collect, sell, or share personal data or usage telemetry, and does not claim ownership of customer content.
- Compliance and data residency: Supports USA, EU/UK GDPR, and Canadian requirements, with data residency options suitable for regional regulatory obligations.
- Hardened infrastructure: Operates across multiple SOC 2 data centers with SAS RAID storage, automatic failover, and a published 99.9% uptime SLA.
- Account security controls: Offers two-factor authentication, granular permissions, remote wipe, custom passwords, expiry dates, and notifications for stronger access management.