Finding the best cloud storage solution for your business is essential to improve your efficiency, security, and scalability. While Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage service provider which offers up to 15GB of free storage, easy file sharing, document editing, and many more advanced features. But, there are some limitations in Google Drive such as Security Risks, File Size Limits, and Slow uploading and downloading speeds. 

So, Accepting Google Drive as the best solution without exploring the other options is not the expert's choice. In this blog, we will explore the more secure alternatives to Google Drive to meet the specific needs of your business.

Why look for an Alternative to Google Drive?

Google Drive was Launched on April 24, 2012, and since then it has been the most popular and clear leader in the cloud storage solution provider. However, there are several reasons to look for an alternative to Google Drive.

1. Security Risks: Security is the foundation of every business. In Google Drive, your data can be easily removed or hacked by hackers because of the zero-knowledge encryption, bad privacy policy, weak password protection, and high chances for phishing attacks.
   
   Google Drive does not have zero-knowledge encryption: It means Google Even can access your files if you have encrypted your data.
   Bad privacy policy: Google always holds the right to share your data and advertise with law enforcement.
   Google Drive does not enforce strong password requirements: It means users can choose weak passwords that are very easy for hackers to crack, and this can put your data in danger.
2. Requires high Internet connection: Google Drive needs a high Internet connection speed to upload or download your file. It needs high internet speed because it breaks your data into smaller pieces and sends it to different servers worldwide. So, to access your files quickly and for seamless collaboration in Google Drive, you need a minimum internet connection speed of 25 Mbps.
3. File size limits: Google Drive restricts the file size limit. You cannot add the embedded photos in a document whose size is more than two megabytes. Additionally, alphanumeric and text documents cannot have more than 1,024,000 characters irrespective of the page number. Also, slideshow presentations shouldn't be larger than 100 gigabytes, or roughly 400 slides. This is the biggest drawback of Google Drive that most individuals are unable to use it due to its restrictions.
4. File Ownership and Control: According to Google's terms of service, when you upload a file to Google Drive you give certain rights and permission to examine or handle your files. Also, when you share files with someone using Google Drive it gives them a copy of it, which they can then distribute to others even if you haven't permitted them to do so.

Secure alternatives to Google Drive 

The wait is over! now we will discuss the best alternatives to Google Drive, tailored to your specific needs. 

Microsoft

On 1 August 2007, Microsoft launched its first cloud storage solution and earned its place among the industry's leading players. OneDrive is one of the good options for anyone who wants a secure and easy-to-use cloud storage service. It is extremely useful for people who use Windows 11 and other Microsoft products.

Pros

• Access your files anywhere, on any device:  OneDrive saves your files on the cloud,  so you can access them from anywhere, on any device with an internet connection. This makes it easy to work on your files from your computer, phone, or tablet.
• Share files easily: One drive allows you to share your files with others in just a few clicks. You can share files individually or create shared folders which allows numerous users to see and edit files.
• Sharing and collaborations: OneDrive makes it easy to collaborate on projects in real time with others. You can edit Office documents together in real time, and it will automatically save changes to your documents.

Cons

Despite its many advantages, it has some limitations that may be important to consider.

• Poor Customer Support: One drive customer support service is inefficient, sluggish, and unresponsive. Some users have reported that they had to wait days or even weeks to hear back from customer service.
• Limited document size support: Onedrive gives a maximum file size of 250 GB. Any file larger than 250 GB cannot be uploaded to OneDrive. This limitation makes it unsuitable for businesses that need to share large files.  
• Lack of third-party app integrations: OneDrive does not support third-party app integrations. This implies that you are unable to connect your OneDrive with other apps like CRM Programs, project management tools, and many more.

Dropbox 

Dropbox was launched on 11 September 2008, from day one dropbox is committed to solving the problems that users are facing and making a convenient and affordable solution for its users. Dropbox offers several advantages making it a superior alternative to Google Drive.

Pros

• Flexible array of collaborative tools: This feature allows easy file-sharing. You can work together with others on projects, No matter where they are and what device they use.
• Digital signatures enabled: Digital signatures enabled means you can email and sign documents digitally, it saves your time of printing, signing, and scanning them by hand. This improves your efficiency and collaboration with others.
• Third-party App Integration: Dropbox gives excellent app integration features that make it different from others. It offers over 300 integrations with well-known apps. This allows easy data management and workflow in one place.

Cons 

Above we discussed the advantages of Dropbox. But, it is also important to make sure that we understand the trade-offs before we make a choice.

• Expensive paid subscriptions: Dropbox subscriptions are more costly than the other cloud storage providers. This is the biggest disadvantage of Dropbox for Budget-conscious companies.
• Security issues: Over the years, dropbox has experienced several security incidents including password leaks, phishing attacks, and data breaches. However, Dropbox utilizes the strongest 256-bit AES encryption. But, doesn't give the same level of superior encryption as 256-bit AES.
• Does not have Edit or Modify: Dropbox does not provide an edit file feature. This is the biggest disadvantage of Dropbox for those who need to collaborate on documents or work on their files from different devices.

Mega

Mega was launched on 19 January 2013. It provides you with multiple advanced features to meet your specific business needs. Now, We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mega in more detail.

Pros

• Storage Plans: Mega offers a wide range of storage plans to suit your business needs, including affordable paid plans, flexible storage options, no bandwidth limits, and zero-knowledge encryption.
• Sharing and collaboration: Mega enables easy file sharing and collaboration. It supports comparatively easy uploading, sharing, and teamwork on even large files.
• File/Folder Access Control: This feature allows users to control or manage the files. They can track who is accessing their files and from which device.

Cons

• Lacks customer support service: Without proper support service users may face problems in resolving their issues in their account, file accessing, and using other features.
• High prices: Mega-paid plans are much higher than the other service providers like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox.
• Limited Processing Power: Mega's processing power is very low and it can cause a slowdown or even freeze when performing certain tasks.

Experts suggested solution 

Netforchoice’s NFC Vault is best for people looking for Google Drive alternatives. NFC Vault is the most reliable and secure cloud storage service provider, with features that help you manage your data more efficiently and effectively.

Features and functionality you need for your business 

• Universal Access: With NFC vault you can access your files from anywhere at any time. This is not the case with typical on-premises storage solutions, which require users to be physically located near the storage device to access their data.
• Backup & sync Functionality: This feature allows you to automatically back up your data to the cloud and keep it synchronized across multiple devices. This means your data is always safe and available. So because of any reason if you lose your data you can restore it.
• Endpoint Protection: This feature helps you protect your data from viruses and cyberattacks. It can help you prevent data breaches by detecting and responding to security incidents quickly.
• Control & Manage Your Files: NFC vault provides you with full control over your files. You can easily manage, track, and control your files including how they are stored, who has access to them, and what actions they can take.
• IP Whitelisting: IP Whitelisting is a security feature that helps you prevent your data from unauthorized access. In this first, you specify a list of IP addresses that are allowed to access your data. After the IP whitelist is established, only users with authorized IP addresses will be able to access the data.
• Easy Collaboration & File Sharing: This feature allows you to easily share your files and collaborate on documents, presentations, and other files in real-time. In NFC vault you can share files of any size and can keep track of changes made to them.
• Time Bound Links: This a security feature that allows you to share the link of your files or folders inside or outside your network that expires after a certain period.

Conclusion

There are many solutions available in the market. But, the best solution for you will depend on your needs for security, scalability, and features. So, before making the decision make a list of features & functionalities you need for your business. According to that make a choice.