The cloud is convenient. It syncs our lives across devices. We dump everything there without thinking. Photos, documents, and notes live on someone else’s server. But the cloud is not a vault.
Hacks happen frequently. Passwords get stolen. Some information is too sensitive to risk. Once it is out, you cannot get it back. We need to be smarter about what we upload. Here are seven things to keep offline to protect your identity.
Social Security Numbers
This is your identity’s master key. Storing a scan of your SSN card is dangerous. If a hacker gets in, they own your financial life. Identity theft takes years to fix.
Keep the physical card in a safe. Memorize the number. Never type it into a cloud note app. The risk outweighs the convenience. Keep this offline at all costs.
Passwords in Plain Text
Do not save a document named “Passwords.” It is the first thing hackers look for. Even cloud-based note apps are vulnerable. You are handing them the keys.
Use a dedicated password manager. They use heavy encryption. Write them in a physical notebook if you must. Never store them unprotected online. It is an open invitation.
Intimate Photos
Celeb leaks happen for a reason. Cloud backups often catch photos automatically. You might forget they are even there. Once leaked, they are on the internet forever.
Disable auto-upload for specific folders. Store private images on an external hard drive. Keep them off the grid completely. Protect your own privacy. Don’t risk a scandal.
Unencrypted Work Data
Your company has secrets. Proprietary code or client lists are valuable. Uploading them to your personal cloud violates policy. It also exposes your employer to corporate espionage.
Use company-approved storage only. Keep work data on work devices. Don’t mix personal and professional clouds. You could lose your job. Respect the NDA.
Medical Records
Health data is worth money on the dark web. Scans of prescriptions or test results contain sensitive details. Cloud providers are not always HIPAA compliant. Privacy is not guaranteed.
Use your doctor’s secure portal. Keep physical copies in a file cabinet. Only share digital copies via encrypted email. Your health history is private. Don’t broadcast it.
Cryptocurrency Seed Phrases
This is the code to your digital wallet. If someone sees it, your money is gone instantly. There is no bank to call for a refund. Cloud storage is the worst place for this.
Write it on paper. Store it in a fireproof safe. Never type it into a device connected to the internet. Treat it like gold bars. One hack loses everything.
Legal Documents
Wills, deeds, and contracts contain personal data. They list assets and family members. This information helps scammers target you. It is a roadmap to your life.
Keep originals in a safety deposit box. Store digital copies on an encrypted USB drive. Only upload them to secure legal portals. Limit access strictly. Protect your legacy.
Smart Storage Habits
The cloud is a tool, not a dumping ground. It is great for vacation photos and music. It is terrible for secrets. Audit your cloud storage this weekend.
Delete the files that could hurt you. Move them to local, offline storage. A little paranoia is healthy in the digital age. Protect yourself before a breach happens. Stay safe.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever had a security scare with cloud storage? Tell us your story in the comments.
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The post 7 Things You Should Never Trust the Cloud With appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
