Encrypted cloud storage: Wuala closing down
 

I've been using Wuala for a couple of years for secure cloud storage and online backup. It used to be free for up to 5GB, then they started charging, but it was a good product, seamless interface, end-to-end encryption, and they don't have the key - so they can't give your data to anyone, even if they want to or are ordered to. Of course, if you forget your password, you are screwed - there is no way they can recover your data.

Alas, it also turns out you are screwed if they suddenly decide to close down for undisclosed reasons. Got an e-mail yesterday saying bye-bye, customers have 90 days to retrieve their data and store it elsewhere; after that all accounts and data will be deleted.

Apart from the immediate inconvenience, this also raises a deeper question about the utility and reliability of such services. The tech specs, security and performance can be as good as you like - but only as long as the company is operating.

Not really. They provide a migration tool to Tresorit.

The cloud is meant for file exchange and access anywhere, but it can serve as an additional backup option. It's not a perfect backup solution though, there's always a risk of it going out of business/catching fire/getting raided by the NSA/hacked. Consider leaving a spare copy of your data on a drive at a friend or relative's place.

The Wuala model isn't very economic as it's free, and encrypted, meaning reduced options for "intelligent advertisement" and so on as a revenue streams.