Dangers That Lurk in the Cloud

Both Tahoe-LAFS and Tarsnap software programs encrypt the cloud data lodged on their servers using encryption keys that are only accessible to the client. The two companies running this software, Least Authority Enterprises and Tarsnap, are unable to read any of the stored data. In the case of Tahoe-LAFS there is redundancy on their servers, so if some servers go down, you can still access your data. I am uncertain of the the Tarsnap server arrangements.

Your main arguments for not lodging secure data in a cloud just evaporated. Sorry to rain on your parade but if you are going to write an "authoritative article" then at least research the facts.

I don't know much about these services. But, I agree, as long as the encryption software resides on your local computer and can be tested in some way. Otherwise...??

The key comment in the article, to me, is about DropBox services:

"In the remote cloud, DropBox threw a spanner into the works by admitting it had/has access to all data on its servers. That raises many questions about security, accessibility and availability."

Since I don't know much about this and don't feel the need to spend much time on it (I don't plan to use such services), can you tell me whether or not you think most companies that have "user" data on their servers use any form of encryption? I mean, this may be a bomb in waiting and the average person may need to be alerted to a potential concern that they aren't aware of.

Also, your reprimand is directed to the author of the article. He probably doesn't even know his article is linked from CR4. You might want to contact him with your concerns of spreading "uninformed" content. Just a thought.