Imagine your documents, video clips, music files and photos floating above you in some kind of bubble. Whenever you want to access them, all you have to do is reach up and grab your desired file. Sounds cartoonish, right?

Well, it’s not. This is how the cloud functions, and most of us use it everyday. Learn more about cloud-based home storage solutions below.

What Is a Home Cloud?

Home clouds are a form of virtual storage. Users can save, organize and control digital files (financial documents, video clips, photos, etc.) online, and then access the content via desktop or mobile device. Since content is not stored locally on the device, it can be retrieved from any device at any time with the proper login credentials.

For example: If your home surveillance system records a video, you can save it directly on the cloud and access it anytime you want from multiple devices.

When Might You Use a Home Cloud?

Home clouds are convenient solutions to store and organize digital information. But, they also can be helpful for home and personal security purposes:

  • Protect your data. Saving all your data onto one device, like your computer, can be risky. If the device is misplaced or stolen, so too is your information. Data could also end up in the wrong hands. When you save data to the cloud, it eliminates the tangible device and stores information digitally on the cloud.
  • Back up data. Home cloud users back up data from their devices to the cloud in case their device crashes. Data saved on the cloud can be accessed anytime, from anywhere, through any connected device.
  • Archive video surveillance clips. If you have a video surveillance system, home clouds provide a safe place to store videos or images for reference as needed. If saved directly on your device, these files would take up substantial storage.

Home Cloud Security Tips

While home clouds offer storage advantages, they aren’t risk free. Certain cyber security precautions need followed to ensure secure data:

  • Utilize data encryption when transferring files from your hard drive to the cloud. Encryption disguises your data from hackers.
  • Enable two-factor identification to add a second layer of security and reconfirm your identity every time you log in.
  • Disable automatic uploads to avoid transferring data on unprotected networks.
  • Ensure your home network is password protected. Update your Wi-Fi password regularly, and don’t give it out freely. Also, if you select a home cloud solution that uses a password, choose one that's difficult to hack and change it often.
  • Install anti-virus software on your devices and ensure all programs are updated.
  • Research home cloud storage providers before you buy. Read reviews, and ask questions about encryption policies, host options, back up and recovery plans, data center certifications and bandwidth limitations to ensure you are getting a reliable solution. Consider contacting your local security vendor for help when buying a home cloud solution.

How have you used a home cloud for your security needs? Share in the comments below.