Google Drive is an incredibly useful cloud storage solution that offers numerous features and benefits. With Google Drive, sharing documents and working remotely as a team has never been easier. As part of the Google Suite, Google Drive offers seamless integration with other Google services.

However, there are some security risks associated with using Google Drive that you should be aware of. So why is Google Drive still a security risk? How can your data be compromised through the service?

1. Google Drive Is a Prime Target for Hackers

Man with Computers in Dark Room

Google is a massive company that deals with countless confidential data of millions of people. It's not surprising that Google is a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals.

One of the main reasons why Google is prone to security risks is because Google stores so much connecting data and Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Because users often do not log out of their associated Google account on their browsers, their usage can often be traced back to them even with the use of VPNs.

In addition, Google has access to your emails, files, documents, and more. In some cases, Google Drive users even keep things like bank account details, identification cards, and other sensitive information, which could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Imagine a hacker getting into one Google account: that's a lot of information for them to use.

2. Google Has a History of Exploited Vulnerabilities

Gmail on Laptop

Since its founding in 1998, Google has battled countless dragons before it solidified its kingdom. However, not every enemy was slain without burning a few villages in the process. In Google's case, the cost of their success includes compromised customer data, which was made vulnerable throughout the years.

In 2010, Google published a blog post addressing a sophisticated hacking attempt by the Chinese government. Supposedly to find information about human rights activists, hackers used phishing attacks to access Google's servers. Referred to as Operation Aurora, the attack targeted at least 34 other companies, including Adobe, Yahoo, and Morgan Stanley.

According to CNN, nearly 5 million Gmail passwords were also leaked online in 2014. In addition, a bug in the Google+ API, Google accidentally exposed over 52.5 million users' data in 2018. With this, Google not only has a history of vulnerabilities, but also of active exploitation.

3. Google Drive Scams Are Rampant

One of the biggest risks associated with Google Drive is the sheer number of scams which can be carried out on it. There are a number of Google Drive scams that are common, and it is important to be aware of them to protect yourself. These include:

  • Leaving comments with phishing links.
  • Creating fake Google Drive clone websites.
  • Hiding malware in Google Drive files.

So what are each of these scams?

Users can create shared files using Docs, Sheets, Presentation, and so on. With this comes endless useful features for working together with your team remotely. However, hackers can take advantage by pretending to be an account of someone you know and making comments on your files. Then, hackers ask unsuspecting users to click unsafe links.

Creating Fake Google Drive Clone Websites

Another tactic that hackers use to gain access to your documents is by replicating the interface of the Google Drive website. Through this, victims would accidentally upload their private documents onto the wrong website. Afterwards, scammers can use these private documents for corporate espionage, ransomware, identity theft, or harassment.

Hiding Malware in Google Drive Files

Google Drive is a popular target for malware because it provides a way to access your files from anywhere. If hackers share a drive with files that appear harmless, unsuspecting users can accidentally download malware into their computer.

While Google Drive does provide free virus scanning for its files, it often doesn't extend this feature to large files. For this reason, it's best to be extra careful when downloading large files, especially from users you don't know personally.

4. Google's History of Changing Privacy Policies

Welcome to Chrome Page with Privacy Policy

Google has a history of changing their privacy policies without notifying users, which can lead to a lot of confusion about what information is being shared and who will have access to it.

In 2012, Google changed their privacy policy to allow them to share personal user information across all of their services, including Google Drive. This change caused a lot of backlash from users, privacy advocates, and governments who felt that Google was not being transparent.

In addition, a Google Drive user doesn't always use the other Google services, so it doesn't seem fair that they would also have access to their personal data.

While Google has since clarified their privacy policy and says that they will not be sharing personal information without users' consent, the fact that they made this change in the first place shows that they can be sneaky with how they consolidate data.

5. Google's History of Sharing User Data With Governments

When it comes to security, one thing that greatly influences it is where the company is officially registered. Because Google was established in the United States, it has to follow certain rules to be allowed to operate.

In 2013, it was revealed that Google had been providing the National Security Agency (NSA) with user data as part of the NSA's PRISM program. This revelation sparked a lot of controversy and raised concerns about the privacy and security of Google Drive users. Although Google and several other companies denied knowledge of the operation, The Guardian confirmed that the 41-slide, classified document verified that the program ran with assistance of the companies.

Since then, Google has introduced changes to how it handles user data, but the verdict is still out on how much they can be trusted.

Keep Yourself Safe When Using Google Drive

Still, there are many advantages to having Google Drive in your productivity arsenal. However, the reasons above should be reason enough to be mindful when using it. In addition, it's important to understand that when it comes to staying safe online, you're only as safe as your weakest point of vulnerability.

Don't just be mindful when you're using Google Drive, but also be careful when connecting to public internet connections. Make sure you use strong passwords, and don't click any links from unknown senders.

However, if you don't think the advantages aren't worth it, you can always uninstall Google Drive and use alternative file management services instead.