The Hidden Risks of Convenience
It’s surprising how many businesses still rely on free or personal versions of online storage platforms to handle their data. There’s nothing wrong with using modern tools like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. They offer real efficiencies and useful features. But without the right safeguards in place, they can leave both individuals and entire organizations exposed.
In fact, it seems almost every week we handle a case where cloud storage is part of the problem. Many times, it’s smaller businesses that get caught off guard. They may not have dealt with these types of scenarios before or fully understand the risks and complexities involved.
Retrieving the Laptop Isn’t Enough
We often see businesses that are diligent about recovering company property. They retrieve the laptop and maybe even the phone from an employee who leaves abruptly. But they overlook one critical question: where does the important data actually live?
Even when they do think about restricting cloud access, they frequently discover another issue. Many of their employees are using the free or personal versions of these online storage tools instead of proper business accounts.
That leads to a patchwork system of individual users sharing access informally. Each account has its own settings and limitations, and permissions may be inconsistent or poorly tracked. When it’s time to figure out who took what and when, trying to untangle it all is like sorting out a knotted ball of Christmas lights.
Better Business Tools Offer Better Protection
Business-grade versions of these cloud platforms typically include far stronger security and detailed logging. They make it possible to see exactly who uploaded, edited, accessed, or downloaded files and when. This kind of information is invaluable if you ever need to investigate suspicious activity or build a timeline for a legal case.
Think of it like insurance. You might not appreciate its value until the day you truly need it.
Invest Now or Pay More Later
So if you’ve made the decision to store your business data online, do it the right way. Use a purpose-built business platform that gives you the visibility and control you need to protect your information.
It may cost a bit more upfront, but it will almost certainly be cheaper than dealing with the fallout of lost data, compromised files, or a messy investigation down the road.
About Swailes Computer Forensics
Swailes Computer Forensics provides expert digital forensic services to law firms, corporations, and organizations nationwide. Our work includes investigations into intellectual property theft, employee misconduct, data breaches, and more. With decades of experience and a commitment to integrity and clarity, we help clients uncover critical evidence and take informed action.
If you’re facing a potential case of employee data theft or have concerns about unauthorized activity, contact us for a confidential consultation.