# Encrypt sensitive cloud storage

Practice ID: 13
Topic: `privacy` (privacy: Choices that limit unnecessary access, tracking, and exposure of personal information.)
Added: 2026-09-01
Journey entry point: `optimize` (Make the tools you kept more durable, private, and possible to leave.)
Start with: `technical` (technical)
Supports: `privacy-clarity` (privacy clarity; group: `digital-control` / My data and digital setup)

## Pattern

Sensitive files need storage where the provider cannot read their contents.

## Practice

Use end-to-end encrypted storage, or encrypt sensitive files before placing them in the cloud.

## Start small

Choose one category of sensitive files and check whether the storage provider can read it.

## Watch out

Encryption without a tested recovery method can turn a provider failure into permanent data loss.

## Positions

See how these practices fit together: [Encrypt what is private](https://live.freewithtech.com/by/encrypting-what-is-private.md).

## Related videos

- [how I avoid both surveillance and self-hosting hell](https://fwt.wtf/privacy-balance?utm_source=live.freewithtech.com)

## Continue

- [Browse privacy as practices.](https://live.freewithtech.com/?topic=privacy)
- [Journey](https://live.freewithtech.com/journey.md)
- [Concepts](https://live.freewithtech.com/concepts.md)
- [Complete agent-readable database](https://live.freewithtech.com/llms.txt)