Whether it’s for your personal data or for your (small) business data, you want it to be stored in a secure yet affordable cloud environment. A solution that is different than what Big Tech has to offer as your goal is to be less dependent on Big Tech. Keep reading as this article will show you the perfect solution.
First things first, yes there are standard cloud solution out there from well-known companies that cost next to nothing. These companies are often referred to as Big Tech and most of them are American companies. And due to the impact of the CLOUD Act that possibly exposes your data – and that of your customers – to prying American eyes. Due to the CLOUD Act U.S. laws can force U.S. companies to share your data with the government, even if you’re not in the U.S. and even if the U.S. company’s server is located outside of the USA. Therefore, more and more small business, sole traders and solo-preneurs are looking for cloud storage alternatives.
So it’s time to share my favourite European cloud storage solution that is committed to security and privacy, while its solution is still easy to use. You don’t have to be a tech geek to use this cloud storage solution.
Strengths of European Cloud Storage Solutions
Nowadays, European tech solutions are preferred over American ones if you value privacy. Security is something they all can offer but the European Union – and some other countries in the area – have stricter rules when it comes to data and privacy. GDPR is a good example of that.
Switzerland isn’t part of the EU but they have similar strict security & privacy rules. They have been doing exactly the same with money and bank accounts for many years.
Therefore, my preference is always for solutions that are based in these areas when looking for security and privacy. When you manage data, whether your own or that of your customers, you just don’t want to run any risk. It’s that simple.
Introducing the best Swiss alternative to Big Tech cloud storage
Tresorit from Switzerland has been my go-to cloud solution for more than 5 years. Tresorit protects your files using AES 256 encryption, which is like a super-strong digital lock. Every file and even its details are locked with a unique, random key on your device before they’re uploaded, so Tresorit’s servers never see your files or keys in an unprotected form.
Even if you upload the same file twice, Tresorit makes each version look completely different, so no one can compare or guess what’s inside. This is called end-to-end encryption. It means only you can unlock your files with your private key; Tresorit can’t, not even their admins. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry, it just means your files are locked away safely and only you have the key.
Tresorit alsos use a zero-knowledge system, so they never store your password or keys, ensuring total privacy. Okay that’s more geek speak so let’s clarify it… Tresorit doesn’t store or know your password. Only you have it.
Tresorit in real life: my experiences with their cloud solution
Well, that was the reason to start using Tresorit all these years ago. And frankly, I haven’t looked back. So let’s go through the things I really like about Tresorit… And maybe find out if there are some things I don’t like.
Let’s start with the things I really like or love about Tresorit
- Always in sync. If you use several devices it is real easy to sync your cloud folders with each device without messing up the file versions. I’ve used an alternative solution in the past that always messed up the versions, so you ended up with a newer file being overwritten by an older file. Not with Tresorit. They keep your files fresh and in sync. And if it encounters an issue, it saves it as a copy and doesn’t overwrite files.
- Back-up & always up-to-date data. Even if you lose your device, your files are safely stored in the cloud and can be accessed from any other device. For example, you have a laptop that goes everywhere with you and a desktop that always stays at home, Even if you lose your laptop, you desktop is fully in sync so all your data will be there. Simply remove your lost laptop from the sync flow, get a new laptop, install Tresorit and your files will sync to the new system. Easy as.
- Clients for all operations systems, including Linux. Install the Tresorit client on each of your devices, even Linux ones, and sync files on all your systems. So yeah, Ubuntu and ZorinOS fans, your files are also in good hands.
- Security & privacy. You’ve seen the tech speak above but the short version is: Tresorit is a Swiss company that stores your files securely & encrypted in Switzerland. No prying eyes from Big Tech or the US Government.
- Easy of use. I often forget that I use the Tresorit cloud system. It just works so never any issues or things to worry about. Files get synced across my devices and when I close one device, I can continue working on the files on the other system. No delays, no issues.
- Sharing files or folders is easy with advanced features. If you need to share files or folders with others, then Tresorit is perfect for that. You can set all kind of security rules when setting up a file or folder share. My favourite features are the option to limit the number of opens and to set an expiry date.
“Are there any things you don’t like?”, you might ask. Well, maybe there are some things that could be better.
The Tresorit app is straightforward and reliable. It might not have flashy designs but it’s built to work smoothly without any hassle. However, I don’t have an issue with the design as functionality is more important than the look of the app.
Tresorit is growing and keeps adding more features like e-signing of documents. It’s great that they are ambitious but I do hope they don’t lose personal users and small business owners out of their sight. After all, not everyone is waiting for a wide range of functionalities next to the basic functionality and not needing these items. So yeah, that is something I do worry about.
Oh and one thing you need to keep in mind is that Tresorit is great for storing data – all kinds of files – in a secure and privacy-friendly way so it as a great alternative to Google Drive, Microsoft Drive or Dropbox but don’t expect it to be like Google Photos. Tresorit is great for storing and sharing files securely, but it doesn’t have built-in photo editing or document collaboration like Google Drive.
Yes, you can store your photos in Tresorit and automatically upload camera photos from your phone, after all a file is a file. But don’t expect previews or tagging of photos. That’s not what Tresorit is about.
Can you use Tresorit for free?
If you are looking for an alternative to WeTransfer, then Tresorit has its free service Tresorit Send, which allows you to send up to 5GB files for free. It’s easier and more privacy-friendly than WeTransfer.
Tresorit Send is free for sending files up to 5GB, but if you want to store files long-term, you’ll need a paid plan starting at NZ$9/month. You can start on a monthly basis to test it. Then switch to the discounted annual plan when you’re convinced this is also a great cloud storage solution for you.
No matter which Tresorit plan you pick, you’ll always get top-notch security and easy-to-use features. Your files are locked up tight with end-to-end encryption, so only you can open them, not even Tresorit can peek at your stuff. There’s also zero-knowledge privacy, meaning your data stays 100% yours.
For extra safety, two-factor authentication (2FA) keeps evil peeps out, even if someone steals your password. You can control who sees or edits your files with easy permission settings. Plus, Tresorit works on all your devices – phones, computers, and tablets – so you can access your files anywhere, even without the internet.
And of course, Tresorit offers helpful guides and customer support, so you’re never left stuck.
How does Tresorit do compared to others
No need to compare Tresorit to Big Tech cloud solutions as the reason you are reading this blog post is that you want to get away from Big Tech.
But there are other alternatives you can compare Tresorit to. For example, Nextcloud.
Tresorit is the best solution if privacy and security are your top priorities. It offers end-to-end encryption right from the start, meaning only you can access your files, not even Tresorit can see your data. This makes it ideal for businesses or individuals handling sensitive information, like legal documents, medical records or confidential work files.
Tresorit also provides secure file sharing with advanced controls, such as link tracking, watermarks, and restricted access, ensuring your files stay protected even when shared. However, real-time collaboration is limited, as strong encryption makes simultaneous editing tricky.
Nextcloud, on the other hand, is a great choice if you prioritise teamwork and integration. It supports real-time collaboration with tools like Collabora and ONLYOFFICE, making it perfect for teams that need to edit documents together. While Nextcloud does offer encryption, it’s not as robust as Tresorit’s – end-to-end encryption is only available as an add-on for shared folders, and admins can still access files. If you need a user-friendly platform for everyday work, video calls, and easy file sharing within a trusted group, Nextcloud is a solid pick.
Will you take your cloud storage to the alternative side for more security and privacy?
Even though some Big Tech solutions may look great and cheap – or even free – they never are. You’re always paying via the data you share with them. Switching to an alternative solution means that you value security and privacy. And when you do, Tresorit is probably the best solution to go for. It’s easy to use for non-tech people and first-time users. Check it out and get started today.
And as always, feel free to post your feedback or questions in the comment section below. Happy to answer your questions.
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