Google Drive is a great cloud storage option, but there are plenty of other excellent choices out there. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the best Google Drive alternatives.
This is not the ideal choice for those who value their privacy, and here's why:
1. Google scans and analyzes your data
Google scans all Drive documents. Your "user profile" and customised Google search results and adverts are created using your data. Google Drive may hold sensitive files. Would you desire sensitive information to impact online content and be public?
For “personally relevant product features, including as personalised search results, tailored advertising, and spam and malware detection,” the business examines and analyzes your data. Google bots that crawl your documents appear to be trained to eliminate "objectionable" content without explanation. What if your months-long endeavor is permanently deleted?
Google Drive secures your files, but they are still public. Google admits in their privacy statement that law enforcement may ask them to view your papers.
Google offers many things that could seriously damage your online privacy. Look for Google Maps alternatives and read the terms and conditions.
2. Google can manipulate your documents
According to Google's privacy policy, Google has the right to "use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works [...], transmit, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute" any and all files you upload to Google Drive.
In addition, they say that by using Google services, you give Google permission to share your data with "third parties that Google partners with." Such generalizations demonstrate that anything is stored in Google Drive is essentially Google's property and provide a lot of room for interpretation.
3. You cannot control shared files.
Giving others access to view, update, or comment on a Google Drive file is a breeze. The lack of even fundamental security safeguards in these papers makes this a major privacy issue.
Because anyone with modifying access can simply share the document with anyone else, keeping track of what happens to your shared papers can be tricky.
Under "Advanced Settings," you'll find a place to make changes to who can view and share your content. You will not be notified, though, so you will need to keep track of who has access to your document.
Furthermore, if you make your files public, anyone can find them with a simple Google search.
Best Google Drive alternatives
An alternative to emailing files is using a third-party file-transfer service. To send a file to someone, you must first upload it and then provide their name, address, and email address.
Rather than sending the actual file, the site will host it for you and provide a link for the recipient to access it. How big of a file can it be? That is totally up to you and the service you're looking for.
1. MyAirBridge
MyAirBridge(Opens in a new window) allows you to quickly and easily exchange large files with your contacts by uploading them and then sending them a link via email.
Sending files up to 20GB in size is completely free. The most affordable plan is $2.99 per month and supports files up to 50GB in size; the Pro plan costs $10.99 and can handle files up to 70GB in size; and the Enterprise plan costs $65.99 and supports files up to 100GB in size.
2. WeSend File
Many individuals prefer using WeSendFile because of how simple it is to use. If you want to send a file, all you have to do is pick it off of your computer. Simply provide the recipient the URL to your file by clicking the Upload button.
You can send files up to 10GB in size with a free WeSendFile account.
3. WeTransfer
WeTransfer is widely used because of its ease of use. To transmit a file, click on it in your computer, then enter the recipients' addresses and a message. To send the file, select Transfer from the menu.
You can upload files up to 2 GB in size with a free, ad-supported WeTransfer account. Though an account isn't required, each transfer requires the guest to input a verification number that was sent to them via email.
WeTransfer Pro accounts cost $12 per month and offer additional features in addition to support for files up to 20GB in size.
4. Send Anywhere
You can send files up to 10GB in size for free with the ad-supported service Send Anywhere(Opens in a new window). With a six-digit key, your uploaded file is safe from prying eyes, but you can still send it via email or share it with others by creating an account and using the generated link. If you need to send files larger than 50GB, you can upgrade to Sendy Pro(Opens in a new window) for $7.99 per month.
5. Wormhole
Wormhole(Opens in a new window) is a simple yet effective service for securely sharing files up to 10GB using end-to-end encryption and expiring links. Upload your file and get a link. That link lets your receiver download the file. It expires after 24 hours.
How To Enhance Your Online Security
In addition to encrypting and safely storing your data, you may also wish to safeguard it while it is in transit. Because NordVPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, you may browse the web with more peace of mind.
Another handy feature is its Threat Protection, which alerts you to infected files, prevents you from visiting hazardous websites, and immediately eliminates trackers and annoying adverts.
Protect as many as six different gadgets at once with only one NordVPN account. Protect your whole network by installing it on your router.
By doing so, you can protect your privacy while using the web and make it harder for hackers to monitor your traffic while using http sites.
Meshnet is a bonus add-on to NordVPN that lets you access files on remote devices when you don't have physical access to them.
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