How secure is Microsoft OneDrive?

OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service from Microsoft. It offers flexible pricing plans to users around the globe. There's no question that you have a Windows PC and need seamless access to your cloud files. While it may not offer the best desktop app experience (compared to some others), it's a good choice overall.

But can you trust your files to OneDrive? Is its security enough to make you trust?

What are the downsides of OneDrive?

There's a lot to like about OneDrive. No wonder it's so popular. But before highlighting the good points, let's look at what can happen with OneDrive.

There's a catch: OneDrive doesn't have end-to-end encryption.

In other words, the service doesn't offer zero-knowledge encryption or client-side encryption, which means your encryption key still belongs to Microsoft. This does not mean that Microsoft can access your files. However, with client-side encryption, the cloud service won't know what you upload to your storage space.

Many secure cloud storage services offer this.

Encryption happens on your device, so the encryption key stays with you, giving you more security, privacy, and control.

Interestingly, OneDrive is missing another important aspect: Privacy Policy. While it strives to keep up with industry standards, OneDrive doesn't have specific strengths to enhance privacy.

For example, Microsoft scans and collects information about your files to improve the experience and personalize the product. The data collection process is largely automated, but sometimes Microsoft employees can also review the data manually. They also share some of that information with third parties in response to the legal process.

You can learn how to spot a bad privacy policy if you're not sure what to look for. Overall, Microsoft's privacy policy isn't the best example out there.

Here's what OneDrive has to offer

There are many reasons to use Microsoft OneDrive. So what stands out among the features this platform has to offer? Most of the benefits OneDrive offers outweigh the limitations mentioned above.

1. Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft encourages you to use its app for two-factor authentication.

Authenticator app works perfectly without entering any code, reducing verification effort. You get a prompt on your phone and all you have to do is tap the right number on the authentication screen.

Compared to other authentication apps, Microsoft Authenticator is very convenient and user-friendly.

2. Seamless syncing experience with Windows

Windows is the most popular desktop operating system. And, depending on your preferences, the native experience may be better than third-party services.

If you're looking for an easy-to-use cloud sync client for your Windows system, Microsoft's OneDrive is ahead of the competition.

It is available from the factory and does not require much configuration. The easier the experience, the less effort you need to put in to keep everything safe.

Note that the OneDrive desktop client may not offer all the best features, but if you require a mere cloud sync service, this tool will do the job well.

3. Ransomware detection and recovery

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you'll be protected from ransomware. That's a big deal, especially at the moment, when ransomware attacks are so common.

You'll be notified if any malicious attacks are detected, and Microsoft will help you recover your OneDrive files before they were compromised. Additionally, you have up to 30 days to take that action.

While not everyone chooses a paid Microsoft 365 plan, you're better off getting advanced security through paying extra for storage and services.

4. Best industry standard features

Cloud services keep your data safe in many ways.

With OneDrive, you get additional security features that enhance the experience:

1. Scan for viruses for known threats with Windows Defender's anti-malware engine.
2. Monitor suspicious activity to prevent unauthorized access. You also receive email notifications of any unusual login attempts.
3. Version history for all file types.
4. Protect passwords and set link expiration times for shared files.
5. Bulk file deletion and recovery notifications ensure that you don't accidentally delete a large portion of your files.

5. Personal Vault

If you want to keep your files private and password protected, you can use the personal vault feature on OneDrive.

It allows you to create a private space on your OneDrive account where you can protect files with two-factor authentication, automatically lock them after inactivity, and disable sharing by default.

You can use it on your computer, web browser and mobile app.

The cool thing is that you can use the OneDrive app on your mobile phone to take photos or videos and store them directly in your personal vault.

If you use it on a computer with BitLocker encryption enabled, personal vault files will sync to the encrypted area in local storage.

Is there a better alternative to OneDrive?

You can choose secure cloud storage services like Mega and pCloud, there is a balance between them when compared to OneDrive.

Google Drive can be an ideal storage alternative to OneDrive. It will pair well with any Android device and offers a simple desktop application. It also offers flexible pricing plans for users around the globe.

Most cloud storage providers have industry-standard security features available. Even if a cloud storage service claims to be the best in the business, you are still responsible for the files. You can encrypt files before uploading, choose not to share them, and protect your device from malicious attacks for added safety.

Checking out everything about cloud storage security can be overwhelming. So it's best to choose a service that offers a good user experience and is easy to manage.

Of course, if you can invest the time to analyze and use a powerful cloud storage service better than OneDrive, you should do so. However, if you're considering OneDrive for its benefits or are used to using the tool, you don't necessarily need to switch.

Kareem Winters

Update 24 August 2022