Pick a secure provider — Providers with client-side encryption, like Sync.com, never have access to your uploaded data.
Encrypt your cloud storage — For extra protection, you can use a third-party tool such as Cryptomator to lock your cloud storage vault.
Manage your keys — Store your encryption keys in a secure, accessible location. If you lose them, neither you nor the cloud storage will be able to access your files.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Other Methods of Encrypting Data
Manual encryption: Tools such as 7-Zip or WinRAR can encrypt files into a password-protected archive before they’re uploaded.
Bring your own key (BYOK): Some enterprise cloud storage solutions allow you to generate and manage your encryption keys.
Full disk local encryption: Tools like Windows’ BitLocker encrypt your entire drive, which is valuable if your device is lost or stolen. However, individual files are unencrypted once you upload them to the cloud.
Best Encrypted Cloud Storage
If you want to keep your data private and secure while uploading it to the cloud, you’ll need to make sure it’s encrypted. In this guide, I’ll show you how to encrypt cloud storage data and recommend the best cloud storage solutions to use.
Providers like Sync.com automatically encrypt your data. If you need more control, you can also use Cryptomator or 7-Zip to encrypt the files yourself. Keep reading to learn how to encrypt your files and recognize the different types of cloud encryption.
What Is Cloud Storage Encryption & Why Does It Matter?
Cloud storage encryption scrambles your uploaded data so only someone with the decryption key can access it. Unencrypted files are vulnerable to hackers and data breaches, and the storage provider can view them.
Encrypted files are unreadable, even to snoopers. This is especially important for sensitive financial, medical or business documents.
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How Does Cloud Storage Encryption Work?
Encryption scrambles readable data using a unique encryption algorithm. The file can be decrypted with this algorithm, which is stored on a decryption key. Therefore, you can access the file only if you have the correct key.
This process can happen before you upload the files — known as client-side encryption — or after uploading them, which is called server-side encryption. Client-side encryption is the most secure option as only you have control over the key.
At a Glance: Cloud Storage Encryption Methods
You can encrypt your files in multiple ways. Here’s a quick overview of the main types of encryption:
Method:
When/Where Encryption Occurs
Examples of Tools
Level of Control
Best For
Server-side
After upload
Google Drive, Dropbox & OneDrive
Low
Basic security
Client-side
Before upload
Sync.com, pCloud & Tresorit
High
Full privacy
Manual encryption
Before upload
Cryptomator, 7-Zip & WinRAR
High
Full control over encryption
Bring your own key
Before upload
Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure & other business-focused services
High
Full privacy and encryption
Local
On the encrypted drive
BitLocker & FileVault
Medium
Loss and theft protection
The Easiest Method: How to Encrypt Data With a Cloud Storage Service
Getting cloud storage with client-side encryption is the easiest way to encrypt your data. The process is done automatically for you — all you need to do is upload your files. Below you’ll find a guide on how to use Sync.com to encrypt your files.
Create a Cloud Storage Account
Create an account with a cloud storage service that has client-side encryption. My top choice is Sync.com as it’s affordable and easy to use.
Upload Your Files
Drag and drop to upload your files to your cloud storage, or choose “upload files.” Encryption will be applied to your files automatically.
The 3 Best Cloud Storage Providers With Built-In Encryption
Some cloud storage providers automatically encrypt your files before they’re uploaded. These are my favorite secure cloud storage options:
Sync.com: This provider provides affordable client-side encrypted storage. Read our full Sync.com review to learn more.
Tresorit: This client-side encrypted service focuses on secure file sharing. See our Tresorit review for more details.
Internxt: This service offers lifetime plans with client-side encryption included. Read all about it in our Internxt review.
Alternative Method: How to Encrypt Your Files Before Uploading to the Cloud
If you have server-side encryption only and need extra protection, you can encrypt your files yourself. A simple option is Cryptomator, which is a free, open-source tool that creates encrypted drives. These steps will show you how to use it:
Download Cryptomator
Download Cryptomator from the official website and run the installer.
Create Your Vault
Launch Cryptomator and click the “+” icon to create a new vault.
Choose Your Cloud Storage Location
Name your vault and select the storage location. If you have a cloud storage drive installed, you can also choose it as the location.
Enable Password Protection
Choose a secure password for your vault — the app will tell you how secure it is. I also recommend that you create a recovery key in the event you lose your password.
Upload Files to Your Vault
Once your vault is created, you can unlock it with your password. Then, click “access vault” to start uploading files.
The 5 Methods of Cloud Storage Encryption Explained
There are five main ways to encrypt your files. Here’s how they work in relation to cloud storage.
1. Server-Side Encryption
Pros:
Easiest encryption method
No setup required
Protects data from unauthorized third parties
Cons:
The cloud provider retains control of the keys
Requires more trust in the provider
Least private method
When/where encryption happens: On the storage after files are uploaded
Tool examples: Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive
Who is it best for? General cloud storage users who don’t require overly strong security
Complexity level: Very low
Server-side encryption is the default encryption method for cloud storage providers. Your files are safe from snoopers and most hackers unless they obtain the decryption keys from the provider.
However, it’s the least private encryption method. Since your provider retains control over the keys, it can decrypt your files at any time.
2. Client-Side Encryption
Pros:
You retain control of your encryption keys
Data is encrypted before upload
The encryption process is automatic
Cons:
May limit file-sharing
Providers may ask for keys
Provider can’t reset your password
When/where encryption happens: On your device before files are uploaded
Tool examples: Sync.com, Tresorit and Internxt
Who is it best for? Privacy-focused users who want more control
Complexity level: Low
Client-side encryption starts the encryption process before your files leave your device. It might require a little more maintenance since some providers require that you store your key in a safe but accessible place. If you lose your key, your files are lost as the provider can’t access them.
In some instances, such as for backup restoration, providers may ask for your encryption key, in which case you’ll lose your privacy. It may also restrict some features, such as file-sharing, depending on how the encryption is implemented.
3. Manual Encryption
Pros:
Free or low-cost encryption
Works with any cloud service
Allows complete control over security & encryption
Cons:
Very high maintenance
Files must be manually encrypted & decrypted
Doesn’t always allow automatic file syncing
When/where encryption happens: On your devicebefore files are uploaded
Tool examples: Cryptomator, 7-Zip and WinRAR
Who is it best for? Advanced users who need a high-security storage option
Complexity level: Very high
You can manually encrypt your files with a tool such as Cryptomator or use an archive tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR. It’s also possible to create password-protected vaults or archives that contain your files, which you can then upload to cloud storage.
If your files are archives, they must be decrypted to update or redownload them. You’ll also need to decrypt them manually.
4. Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)
Pros:
More suitable for business or power users
Gives full control over encryption keys
Stronger compliance with security regulations
Cons:
Usually available for business accounts only
High maintenance
Misplaced keys can result in data loss
When/where encryption happens: On the storage with your own encryption key
Tool examples: Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure
Who is it best for? Business or power users who need complete control over their encryption keys
Complexity level: High
Bring your own key (BYOK) is an encryption solution offered by business cloud storage. While the provider still implements the encryption, you must supply the encryption keys. Since your decryption key is never handed over, your files remain private.
This method is best for businesses, especially those that have to meet strict privacy regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. However, it’s more complex than other encryption methods.
5. Local Encryption (Full-Disk or Volume)
Pros:
Encrypts entire drives
Built into the device’s operating system
Protects against device loss or theft
Cons:
Doesn’t protect files uploaded elsewhere
High maintenance
When/where encryption happens: On your device
Tool examples: BitLocker and FileVault
Who is it best for? Users who need local device security
Complexity level: Low
Local encryption is enabled through the operating system, usually at the BIOS (basic input/output system) level. Most of the time, it’s enabled by default and protects the drive in case of theft or loss.
While your files are safe within the drive, they’re not encrypted individually. This means if they leave the drive — for example, when they’re uploaded to cloud storage — they lose the encryption.
Final Thoughts
Encrypting your cloud storage ensures that your private data remains safe from prying eyes. However, different encryption methods offer varying levels of security and control. You have to balance security with maintenance to get a solution that suits your requirements.
Do you encrypt your files manually before you upload them to storage? Which is your preferred encryption level: client-side or server-side? What is your favorite cloud storage service? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.
FAQ: Cloud Encryption
Yes, there are multiple ways to encrypt cloud storage. The best way is to get a service with client-side encryption as it automatically applies encryption to your files.
Most cloud services have encryption enabled by default. Options like Sync.com have client-side encryption on your entire storage from the start.
You can use a manual encryption tool, such as Cryptomator or 7-Zip, to password-protect files before uploading them.
Igor is one of the fact-checking editors for Cloudwards. As a man of many talents, he has worked in customer service and SEO, is proficient in video and audio editing, and is also a trained opera singer, gracing European stages with his hometown church choir. Outside of work, Igor’s passions encompass music performance, fitness and capturing moments through travel photography. With a life enriched by diverse pursuits, Igor’s story unfolds rapidly, with many of the chapters yet to reveal themselves.
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