Risks of using the service

[dlalonde]

I have a rule of thumb by which I live my digital life: everything can be hacked. Which is why you won't find pictures of my children or anything personal on Facebook, Twitter and other online services. Not because they're hidden, they're just not there at all. That is also true for Google Photos. There's nothing on there even if I have a Pixel.

That being said, it remains an interesting service for backups. But I wonder, did anyone ever assess the risks of using Google Photos? If all my family picture are up there, obviously there's a risk someone cracks the system and steals everything. How big is that risk?

 

[anon(238680)]

everything can be hacked

Well, that pretty much says it, not sure what needs to be added to that. I would be much more concerned over documents and email than pictures. Other than a spy movie I don't think anybody is too interested in pics and no idea why anyone would steal them. JMO.

 

[dlalonde]

Well, that pretty much says it, not sure what needs to be added to that. I would be much more concerned over documents and email than pictures. Other than a spy movie I don't think anybody is too interested in pics and no idea why anyone would steal them. JMO.

Well I was wondering what kind of security there is on Google Photos? Are they encrypted or something?

Otherwise, my way of thinking is twofold. First is what I consider basic respect. Some people feel attacked when I say this but please, to the people reading this, don't. It's only my view on things, not a judgement. I feel that putting pictures of my children online without their consent and without them being able to even fathom the implications is disrespectful to them. I wouldn't like it if someone did this so I don't do it to them. When they'll be able to judge, they can do what they want.

Second, there has been intances of stolen children images (from Facebook and whatnot) used in various scams, ads or even, in more extreme cases, exchanged in pedophile groups directly or photoshopped (it's been in the news) and other disgusting things. I'm not having that. No way. So the idea that a good number of strangers could have pictures of my children without me knowing sickens me honestly, no matter the reason. So I refrain from posting them at all.

That being said I use the same rule with documents. There are no personal documents on Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox. My emails are still at risk but they're MY emails and I know what the risks are for MY content.

So the point of this thread is actually to see if I'm being paranoid or if my carefulness is justified.

 

[anon(238680)]

So the point of this thread is actually to see if I'm being paranoid or if my carefulness is justified.

The only one who can make that determination, and the only one who's opinion matters, is you.

 

[dlalonde]

The only one who can make that determination, and the only one who's opinion matters, is you.

Right. So there's no encryption or other security method on Google Photos other than the one used to connect to the service?