7 Things You Should Never Store in the Cloud
Cloud storage is powerful and useful. But just because you can upload something doesn’t mean you should. Some files put you at risk. Here are seven types of data I never trust to the cloud—and neither should you.
1) Passwords, PINs & Login Credentials
Your login data is your digital master key. If your cloud gets compromised, someone with access could control your identity and accounts. Use a good password manager instead—one that encrypts locally.
2) Financial Documents
Bank statements, tax returns, investment records—these are gold mines for thieves. Keep them encrypted and local (or on a secure, controlled drive), not floating in someone else’s server.
3) Sensitive ID Documents
Passports, driver’s licenses, social security cards — these are identity theft triggers. If these leak, recovering your identity can take months or years.
4) Private Photos & Videos
Intimate or personal media is always a target. Even if you trust your cloud provider, you can’t fully control every vulnerability or who has access later. Store them locally and only upload safe copies if needed.
5) Intellectual Property & Business Secrets
Your trade secrets, unreleased designs, formulas, source code—these give your competitors their edge. If your cloud is breached, you lose more than files—you lose competitive advantage.
6) Unencrypted Backups
Backing up is smart—but only when done right. If your backups are stored unencrypted in the cloud, they’re just another target. Always encrypt before upload.
7) Legal / Health Records That Must Stay Private
Legal documents, contracts, medical records—especially those under regulation (HIPAA, etc.)—shouldn’t sit in a general-purpose cloud unless it complies fully. The liability is too high.
✅ Bottom Line
The cloud is a tool—not a guarantee. Use it smartly. Before uploading, ask:
- Could this file be used to steal my identity or money?
- If someone got access, how badly would I be hurt?
- Is it encrypted?
- Can I keep it local with secure backups instead?
Store your everyday files and less-sensitive data in the cloud. But for the stuff that matters most—passwords, business secrets, private media—keep control closer to you.
