By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Everything from web-based email to storage services like OneDrive and Dropbox rely on cloud computing networks to work. How safe are today’s cloud services?

Cloud computing powers almost everything we use in terms of technology today. Vast server farms containing millions of PC’s work their magic on the cloud so we can seamlessly route email to our mobile devices, backup our photos and documents so they’re accessible on both mobile and desktop devices. Cloud computing manages e-commerce, communications, and file sharing across the planet.

But the notion that the cloud, being scattered across various server farms is out of reach by end users and would-be hackers, is one that we all need to get over.

Our cloud storage and service accounts are just as vulnerable as our physical computers and hard drives. The only difference is that the cloud services can be accessed remotely from any device without our knowing it, all a hacker needs is a password and that’s it, they’re in. All your personal data and information is in full display.

2014 has been the year when cloud computing really hit the mainstream. Dependency on cloud infrastructure has never been more prevalent than it is today, specially if you consider that many major software makers are moving from boxes and discs to Software as a Service or (SaaS) solutions like Microsoft’s Office 365 and Adobe’s Creative Cloud. We’re increasingly using services like Google Drive, Office 365, Evernote, Box, Dropbox and many others and with greater confidence that these services work well and are secure.

2014 has also been the year where the security of cloud services has been brought into question. Almost everyone from Yahoo, eBay to iCloud has received the unwanted attention of hackers, making many users fear for their data and wonder just how vulnerable their data is.

Cloud services in themselves are secure so that it is extremely difficult to access them wholesale and unlock all the information they hold.

Cloud companies have various methods of  securing and protecting the data they hold. Still, hackers are capable of breaking into individual accounts quite easily, as evidenced by the widespread pillaging and subsequent release of private photos stolen from various celebrities and actresses this year.

For an idea of how to keep your cloud accounts safe, see our story on Cloud Defense tips. As for cloud companies, they need to ensure better and easier ways to maintain secure cloud services, specially now that many are selling the privilege of their services to consumers and businesses alike.

As the cloud becomes more prevalent, it needs to be safer and more secure and we are certainly getting there.