Security in Microsoft OneDrive

The selection of cloud services is continually growing, with providers like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud competing for customers. As part of a Microsoft account, Microsoft also offers its own cloud storage called OneDrive. In this article, we will take a closer look at the security and data protection of OneDrive.

Introduction to OneDrive

OneDrive is a cloud storage service offered by Microsoft that is often used in conjunction with Microsoft Office 365. Users can create documents and share them with others, regardless of location and time, even through mobile devices. Originally launched as Windows Live Folders (formerly FolderShare) in 2007, the service was rebranded as OneDrive in 2014. Businesses frequently use OneDrive as part of Office 365 to establish a seamless connection between cloud storage and local file creation, facilitating collaborative editing of files.

Security in Microsoft OneDrive

The collaboration possibilities are numerous, but what about security, especially regarding personal data? Companies must ensure that they comply with GDPR requirements to avoid data protection violations. A key aspect is the security of the OneDrive cloud storage. 
This is where Microsoft OneDrive shows some security flaws that endanger confidentiality. In comparison, Scramble Cloud offers a secure alternative.

A fundamental risk is that with OneDrive, only the data transmission is encrypted via Transport Layer Security (TLS). The data is stored unencrypted on Microsoft's servers, theoretically allowing Microsoft access to the data at any time, which poses security risks. In contrast, Scramble Cloud offers complete end-to-end encryption, ensuring that we, as the operator, have no access to the stored data.

Criticism from data protection advocates regarding Microsoft

Microsoft has faced criticism from data protection advocates in the past because its various encryption methods often do not exclude third-party access. In contrast, complete end-to-end encryption, as provided by Scramble Cloud, offers reliable protection against a wide range of attacks.

Location of OneDrive in the USA

Storing sensitive data on servers in the USA presents various risks and concerns. A primary reason for this is the lack of strict data protection laws compared to other countries, such as those in the EU. In the USA, government agencies can access data without the affected individuals being notified. This can lead to a loss of privacy and an increased risk of misuse of personal information. Additionally, US companies may be compelled by national security laws to hand over data to government agencies, jeopardizing the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Compliance

Using OneDrive by companies to store sensitive business data in the USA can raise issues concerning compliance requirements. The USA does not have the same strict data protection laws as many other countries, which can make it challenging for companies utilizing OneDrive to meet the requirements of various data protection regulations. In particular, companies based in the European Union must ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the storage and processing of personal data. Since OneDrive data is stored in the USA, it does not adhere to the same data protection standards as in the EU. This can lead to significant legal and financial risks, including fines and reputational damage in the event of data breaches. Many cloud storage providers have previously exhibited security vulnerabilities that allowed unauthorized individuals to access confidential data. Consistent encryption of data in the cloud, where users retain control over the keys and storage locations, is the only effective protection against this. 
For this reason, it is essential for companies using OneDrive to carefully review compliance requirements and consider alternative solutions, such as Scramble Cloud, to ensure the security and integrity of sensitive business data.

Scramble Cloud and Microsoft Office 365

Scramble Cloud provides a straightforward way to securely exchange files and can be integrated with Microsoft Office. The encrypted storage of data on German servers offers additional security. Here are the advantages of Scramble Cloud at a glance:

• Zero-Knowledge technology
• GDPR-compliant data protection
• Trust and reliability
• Security made in Germany
• Seamless integration into your Office 365 environment
• Store files securely and effortlessly directly 
  within Microsoft Office 365.
• 24/7 protection with Scramble
• Protect your files with user permissions in the form 
  of read and write access
• Secure file sharing directly within 
  Microsoft Teams
• Create unique groups to establish a secure environment in Scramble Cloud where shared files can be safely exchanged
• Unique process for securely sharing passwords and secrets
• Automatic storage of all files uploaded in Teams via Scramble Cloud
• No more tedious searching for files
• Your files always accessible from anywhere
• No restrictions on file size
• Efficient sharing of sensitive information via Outlook
• End-to-end encrypted file sharing