Top 10 Encrypted Cloud Storage Services for Small Businesses and Teams Without Coders

As a small business owner or manager, you understand the importance of keeping your data secure. Whether it’s client information, financial records, or internal communications, protecting your business data from hackers and unauthorized access is crucial. Encrypted cloud storage provides a seamless way to ensure your data remains secure, while also offering convenient access and backup capabilities. Here, we explore the top 10 encrypted cloud storage solutions for small businesses and teams, highlighting their features, functions, website links, and the process for local backup.

1. Dropbox Business

• Website: Dropbox Business
• Functions:
  • Secure file sharing and collaboration with enterprise-grade security.
  • Easy integration with numerous third-party apps like Slack, Office 365, and Trello.
  • Advanced administrative controls—monitor team activities, manage sharing permissions, and secure company data.
• Usage:
  • Ideal for seamless collaboration within teams, as well as sharing files with clients securely.
  • Users can access files from any device with internet connectivity.
• Local Backup:
  • Download and Install Dropbox Desktop Client:
    • Once installed, the client creates a local Dropbox folder where you can drag and drop files.
    • These files are automatically synced to the cloud.
  • Set Up Selective Sync:
    • Use Selective Sync to choose which folders are stored locally to manage space efficiently.

2. iDrive

• Website: iDrive
• Functions:
  • Comprehensive backup solutions with 256-bit AES encryption.
  • Supports continuous data protection, disk image backups, and file versioning.
• Usage:
  • Excellent for businesses needing regular backups and quick data recovery options.
  • Offers cross-platform backups for all devices (desktops, servers, mobile devices).
• Local Backup:
  • Install iDrive Software:
    • Set up scheduled backups to ensure critical data is backed up both locally and to the cloud.
  • Enable Local Backup:
    • Use iDrive’s Local Backup option to create a local copy of your backups for extra security.

3. Google Workspace (Google Drive)

• Website: Google Workspace
• Functions:
  • Secure cloud storage with tools for real-time collaboration.
  • AI-powered search to find files quickly.
  • Integration with Google’s suite of applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Usage:
  • Suitable for businesses that rely on Google’s ecosystem for email, document creation, and collaboration.
  • Shared drives for team collaboration with detailed access controls.
• Local Backup:
  • Google Drive for Desktop:
    • Syncs your Google Drive to your local computer, ensuring files are available offline.
  • Backup and Sync Tool:
    • Set selected folders on your computer to automatically sync to Google Drive for consistent backup.

4. Box

• Website: Box
• Functions:
  • Secure file sharing and advanced collaboration with features like workflow automation and customizable access permissions.
  • Compliance with regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.), ensuring industry-standard data protection.
• Usage:
  • Ideal for businesses needing secure document storage, collaboration, and regulatory compliance.
  • Box integrates with over 1,500 apps including Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and Adobe Sign.
• Local Backup:
  • Box Drive:
    • Box Drive allows you to access cloud files directly from your desktop and sync them for offline access.
  • Box Sync:
    • Sync specific folders locally to ensure that key data is backed up on your hard drive.

5. Microsoft OneDrive for Business

• Website: OneDrive for Business
• Functions:
  • Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office 365.
  • Advanced security features including file encryption, conditional access, and compliance certifications.
• Usage:
  • Ideal for teams using Microsoft Office tools consistently.
  • Facilitates collaboration with real-time document editing in Microsoft apps.
• Local Backup:
  • OneDrive Desktop App:
    • Automatically syncs files between your local storage and the cloud.
    • Configure to back up important folders like Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.

6. Tresorit

• Website: Tresorit
• Functions:
  • Provides end-to-end encrypted storage with zero-knowledge authentication.
  • Secure file sharing and collaboration features, ensuring files are only accessible by authorized users.
• Usage:
  • Suitable for businesses requiring high-level security and compliance (e.g., legal firms, healthcare providers).
  • Allows setting up different collaboration teams with defined access permissions.
• Local Backup:
  • Tresorit Sync Client:
    • Allows syncing encrypted files between the cloud and your local devices.
    • Ensures files are accessible locally even without an internet connection.

7. Backblaze B2

• Website: Backblaze B2
• Functions:
  • Low-cost cloud storage focused on backups and archiving.
  • Robust APIs and integration capabilities with popular backup and storage tools.
• Usage:
  • Best for businesses needing affordable storage for large volumes of data.
  • Often used for backups, disaster recovery, and archival purposes.
• Local Backup:
  • Backblaze App:
    • Set up continuous local backups alongside cloud storage using the Backblaze software.
    • Allows for scheduling and versioning of backups.

8. pCloud

• Website: pCloud
• Functions:
  • Offers client-side encryption with pCloud Crypto.
  • Includes file versioning, extended file history, and the ability to share large files easily.
• Usage:
  • Great for small businesses needing flexible and secure storage solutions.
  • Easy sharing and collaboration features.
• Local Backup:
  • pCloud Drive:
    • pCloud Drive creates a virtual drive on your computer that synchs automatically with your cloud storage.
    • Choose specific folders to store locally and in the cloud.

9. Sync.com

• Website: Sync.com
• Functions:
  • Provides zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring only you can access your data.
  • Unlimited data transfer, advanced sharing, and team collaboration features.
• Usage:
  • Perfect for businesses requiring strict data privacy with collaboration capabilities.
  • Tools to manage team permissions and ensure secure file sharing.
• Local Backup:
  • Sync Desktop App:
    • Automatically syncs your Sync.com account with a local folder on your computer.
    • Local Vault for offline access and secure storage.

10. SpiderOak One

• Website: SpiderOak
• Functions:
  • End-to-end encrypted cloud storage with no knowledge of user data.
  • Features include file sharing, backup, and real-time collaboration.
• Usage:
  • Best for small businesses needing comprehensive security and privacy.
  • Offers robust data protection practices ideal for sectors like defense and finance.
• Local Backup:
  • SpiderOak ONE Client:
    • The client allows seamless synchronization and backup of local files to the cloud.
    • Comprehensive control over what files and folders to sync/backup.

How to Perform Local Backups

1. Choose a Sync Tool:
   • Most cloud storage providers offer an easy-to-use desktop client that automatically syncs specified local folders with the cloud storage. Examples include Google Drive for Desktop, Dropbox Sync, and Box Drive.
2. Encrypt Your Data (Optional but Recommended):
   • Before syncing your data to the cloud, you can use third-party encryption tools like Cryptomator or VeraCrypt to add an extra layer of security.
3. Schedule Regular Backups:
   • Use built-in scheduling features within the installed client or backup software (like Backblaze or iDrive) to automate the backup process, ensuring that your data is consistently updated and stored securely.
4. Verify Backups:
   • Regularly check and verify your backups to ensure data integrity and completeness. This step is critical to avoid data loss and ensure that your backup process is functioning correctly.

Each of these cloud storage solutions offers unique features tailored to small businesses and teams without requiring extensive technical knowledge. By incorporating these solutions, businesses can enhance data security, streamline collaboration, and ensure reliable backups, all of which are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and protecting valuable information.