In a post yesterday, I wrote about Dropbox and the lack of privacy their cloud storage service extends to its users.  Rather than simply point out a problem and let it stand, I thought it would be helpful to discuss some ways that you can safely use cloud storage services without compromising your data.

Like most people that work in the technology field, I’m occasionally asked to define or describe technical concepts to the uninitiated.  Lately, due to Microsoft’s bazillion dollar marketing budget, I’m asked about “the cloud”.

One of my favorite examples that I use as an explanation is Dropbox - it’s simple, free, and people seem to understand it fairly easily.  Up until recently, I’ve been a big Dropbox fan, even managing to convert a few of the unwashed masses as well.

What’s changed recently? The fine folks at Dropbox seem to have forgotten about the Fourth Amendment - the one that protects us from unreasonable search and seizure - and seem willing to give out customer data just to avoid a hassle.