lockAs you’ve probably seen, we really like the cloud, and we’re excited about moving from traditional media and physical processors to cloud-based, flexible solutions. However, security is a common and perfectly valid worry when thinking about transferring your files and other digital assets to the cloud.

One particular concern centers around file storage in the cloud. Because we know that the Internet, by nature, is susceptible to cyber threats like hackers, you might have some basis for caution when it comes to putting your personal documents in the cloud.

The information about extensive government spying revealed by Edward Snowden has changed the discussion around cyber security, prompting many to wonder, “Who is really watching?” Additionally, with significant corporate cyber attacks hitting big names like Target and eBay recently, you might be seriously considering whether to keep customer data in the cloud as a business owner.

These questions are serious, so we thought we’d look at a handful of apps that offer a bit of peace of mind when it comes to cloud storage. Here, we’ll look at the security features of each of five backup and archival apps built in the cloud, representing the ideal alternatives to Dropbox and other big names in the field.

Hightail-appHightail

Hightail is another serious alternative to Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.

The app lets you send up to 10GB from your mobile device or PC. Hightail has a solid slant towards business purposes, allowing seamless and efficient file sharing.

Hightail is in use by more than 45 million people already, and it’s notable for its professionalism. Hightail is ideal for freelancers, large enterprises, small businesses, medium ones, non-profit organizations, and anything else you could throw at it.

Hightail features:

  • 2GB storage (free) or unlimited (paid)

  • E-signature capture

  • Highly-secure delivery

  • Data encryption

  • Outlook plug-in (paid subscribers only)

  • Secure sharing

Hightail is a rock solid alternative to Dropbox and other popular file storage solutions. And with a name like Hightail, it has to be good, right?

ShareFile

ShareFile is part of the Citrix suite of business productivity apps. Citrix is the household name in security and privacy in the business world.

ShareFile starts off with 5GB of storage for $29.95 a month, with a credit-card-free trial.

Fifteen million businesses of all sizes are using ShareFile to organize their docs and get things done faster. ShareFile comes with dedicated customer support in areas like sectors including legal, healthcare, engineering and construction — all known for using immense files to share confidential information and dealings.

ShareFile features:

  • Up to 10 GB per file

  • Android, iOS and Windows phone apps

  • In-app annotations

  • Granular folder and viewing permissions

  • Customizable security settings

ShareFile is unique that it actually integrates with competitors like Box and Dropbox, allowing folks to store their documents anywhere, but get business done within ShareFile. It also has impressively deep integrations with FreshBooks and Basecamp, which allow you to automate who sees what of your invoices and project management docs.

Spideroack-appSpiderOak

SpiderOak is making a lot of waves these days. The cloud-based storage platform is made for the post-Snowden age of increased focus on security and privacy online.

SpiderOak features an installable application that first encrypts user data before transmitting it to the cloud. The company states that it provides a “zero-knowledge” environment for your files. That means that SpiderOak’s servers have no information about the documents you store – lead

The app’s interface is more akin to a traditional backup application than a cloud-based drag-n-drop solution like Dropbox, but with a little experimentation, it’s pretty logical to figure out and use.

SpiderOak features:

  • 2GB (free) or $10 per 100GB

  • Multi-platform synchronization

  • Encrypted data centers

  • Supports HTTPS

  • Private sharing

  • Shell integration

  • Zero-knowledge environment

SpiderOak’s excellence in security and privacy has made it the cloud storage platform of choice for the new ultra-secure smartphone, Blackphone, and if you’re serious about keeping your documents private, SpiderOak should be the first app you tryout.

Zoho-docks-appZoho Docs

Zoho Docs is a major contender in the backup and archival space.

Zoho, broadly speaking, is one of the few companies out there that genuinely rivals Google’s business apps offering. The Zoho Apps suite – including its esteemed Writer word processor – is a complete set of office apps that you can use for virtually all common business tasks.

While that’s worth taking note of in itself, Zoho Docs is also a standout backup and storage app. It communicates with Google Docs and adds some helpful security features. Zoho Docs lets you set user permissions and manage access.

Zoho Docs features:

  • Secure file storage

  • Online chat and collaboration

  • Multi-level folders

  • Integrates with other Zoho Apps – Writer, Sheets, and Show

  • Reviewing and tagging

  • Search

  • Document versions control

  • User access control

Zoho is fast becoming an Internet stalwart – a trusted, enduring moniker in a sea of names. If you’re looking for a feature-rich alternative to Dropbox and the other “big names,” Zoho is a great choice.

SugarSync-appSugarSync

SugarSync is more than simply a backup app. It’s a centralized document synchronization hub for all your files, and all your devices.

With SugarSync, you can synchronize a few files or whole folders just by right clicking on them – forever setting those assets to be backed up at all times, via SugarSync. Talk about peace of mind!

SugarSync also offers highly secure file sharing. You can securely share view-only or editable files or public ones, depending upon your preference.

As with Zoho Docs, you can control user access with SugarSync, which makes the app ideal for all sorts of businesses.

SugarSync features:

  • Multi-device synchronization

  • Automatic backups

  • Mobile access

  • Secure data and protection

  • Remote file access

  • Folder and file sharing

SugarSync is another sweet alternative to Dropbox, Google Drive and all the other backup and archival apps. You’ll appreciate the ease of use of SugarSync and its highly scalable feature set, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

Are you getting peace of mind and privacy from your backup and archival app?

If you’re using Dropbox or Google Drive just because they’re the big names in the field, you may be surprised at the increased security you can get from apps like the ones listed here and others on the market.

To help you explore all the options available to you for backup and archival, GetApp maintains a running list of all the best apps for those tasks. Check them out and uncover the most helpful alternatives to Dropbox, Google Drive and other backup and archival apps.