If the user has enough patience, uploading files to the cloud is a relatively simple process, but there's a very important detail to consider: one of the conditions for services to be free is that their developers can see the type of content stored. The eternal clash of "privacy versus security" has been installed in the cloud for a good while, and has given rise to tools like Viivo, which can compress and encrypt each file before uploading it online.
Free cloud storage, at what cost?
With several gigabytes distributed between Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, my dependence on the cloud is quite high. Although it's not critical content for my privacy and/or security, I can't escape the fact that Redmond and Mountain View are watching closely what I've uploaded. The first reason is too obvious: free cloud storage services are financed through advertising or promotions that lead to the purchase of other products. The second reason is security. It's not a good idea to store sensitive material in the Microsoft and Google clouds (software of dubious origin, adult content, etc.), or we risk ending up with a suspended account.
Viivo: encrypt your files before they reach the cloud
Of course, the user's privacy also matters, and a lot. A significant number of people reject cloud storage for this reason, but there's also a middle ground: encrypting files to prevent them from being read. This is where Viivo comes in, the tool from a legendary name in computing, PKWARE. Viivo encrypts all files under AES-256 before they touch the cloud, and it's compatible with the most important services, including Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive. Shared folders have a key that is exchanged via RSA-2048, and Viivo never keeps copies of our data, or of the passwords chosen to access them.
Free for personal use, paid for business
Viivo has no cost as far as personal use is concerned, but there are two subscription models aimed at the business world that increase the number of functions, as well as telemetry and administration information. Viivo has builds for Windows, OS X, iOS and Android.
It's likely that not all users will be convinced by Viivo, since encryption and compression add more time to what is naturally a slow process, but if there's a compromise to be reached between privacy and cloud storage, Viivo should become a good option.
