What is the cloud?

When someone says something is "in the cloud", it doesn't mean it floats above the clouds. It means your files and data are stored on large computers – called servers – somewhere else in the world, which you access over the internet.

The cloud is a way to store and access your things without everything needing to be on your own phone or computer.

You're already using the cloud if you save photos in iCloud, documents in Google Drive or contacts through OneDrive. It's a bit like having a digital backpack that you always carry – but it's kept in a locked room you can access from all your devices.

How does the cloud work?

You create or modify a file – e.g. a photo, note or document.
The app sends the file over the internet to a server.
The server stores the file securely and encrypted.
You can fetch and use it again from any of your devices.

Synchronization means your files are continuously updated and available everywhere without you having to do anything. When you take a photo with your phone, it automatically appears on your tablet or computer without you thinking about it.

Where is the cloud located physically?

Even though we call it "the cloud", your files are actually in a very real place. They are stored in large data centers run by companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft.

A data center is a big, sophisticated building filled with computers and security systems. Here you have:

Surveillance around the clock
Protection against fire and power outages
Encryption and access control
Automatic backups and fail-safes

You may not know exactly where in the world your data lives, but the providers make sure your files are protected – both physically and digitally.

Why do people use the cloud?

The cloud is used by millions of people every day because it offers:

Flexibility – you can access your files anywhere at any time.
Automatic safety – your data is saved automatically without you having to remember it.
Space saving – you free up space on your devices.
Peace of mind – if you lose your phone or computer, you don't lose your files.
Easy sharing – you can share photos, documents and folders with just a few clicks.

The cloud makes it easy to keep photos, documents and memories without needing to be an expert.

Is it safe to use the cloud?

Yes – but only if you use it correctly.

Cloud services use advanced security, but the biggest risk is often the user. If someone gets access to your account, they can see and download everything you've uploaded – no matter how secure the server is.

You should therefore always:

Use a strong and unique password.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Check your shares – and remove old ones you no longer use.
Avoid uploading sensitive documents unless they are encrypted.
Use trustworthy and well-known cloud providers.

The cloud is technically secure, but you hold the key. You must protect your access.

What are the drawbacks of the cloud?

Although the cloud is smart, it has some drawbacks you should be aware of:

You rely on internet access to reach your stuff.
You hand over your data to a company and trust their handling.
If your account is hacked, your files can be misused or deleted.
Some services analyze your files and use them for targeted advertising.
It can be hard to understand privacy settings and rights.

That’s why it’s important to use the cloud thoughtfully – and not as the only solution.

How to use the cloud safely

You can use the cloud in a safe and responsible way if you follow these tips:

Use a strong password that you don't reuse elsewhere.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Review your sharing settings regularly.
Encrypt sensitive files before putting them in the cloud.
Make a local backup, e.g. on an external hard drive, in case something goes wrong.
Use reputable services with clear terms and good data protection.

The cloud is a useful tool – but only if you keep control of the keys.