Breaking Free from US Cloud Services: A Personal Journey
Overview
- Explores the urgent need to exit US cloud services due to serious privacy issues.
- Showcases a wide range of compelling alternative options available for cloud computing.
- Emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing European cloud solutions for enhanced security and control.
The Urge to Disconnect
Nestled in the scenic landscape of the Netherlands, freelancer Martijn Hols made a daring decision to cut ties with major American cloud services like Office 365 and Google. His choice was driven by escalating privacy concerns. With the EU and US continued to grapple with fluctuating data-sharing agreements, Hols felt compelled to regain control over his personal information. He recognized that this decision wasn't just about convenience; it was about protecting his digital life from the unpredictable whims of foreign policies and regulations that could change overnight.
Switching to Proton Business Suite
Hols began his journey by switching to Proton Business Suite, a remarkable alternative to Microsoft Office 365. For a modest fee of €12.99 a month, he secured a package that included email, calendar services, a VPN, and cloud storage. This wasn't just another subscription; it was a game changer. The migration process itself was surprisingly simple—within just a few clicks, he transferred essential emails and files without the nightmares often associated with switching platforms. What thrilled him the most was Proton's feature that allowed multiple custom email domains, providing professional support that far surpassed anything Microsoft offered. Hols could finally present himself in a way that echoed his values.
Secure Password Management
The next step in Hols’ journey was to rethink his approach to password management. After being a loyal user of Bitwarden for years, he realized that even encrypted data could still be at risk if housed in a centralized location. Hence, he made the savvy decision to transition to Proton Pass. This innovative service not only maintained all the features he loved about Bitwarden but also added fabulous capabilities like effortless password sharing and the management of one-time passwords. The transition was seamless; in mere minutes, he exported data from Bitwarden and imported it into Proton Pass, ensuring that no critical TOTP codes or secure notes were lost. This change was undoubtedly a win for his security.
Finding a Local Docker Solution
Hols realized he needed a change in his container management strategy and turned his sights away from Docker Hub, which he found increasingly unsatisfactory. After evaluating local solutions, he opted for Scaleway Container Registry. This choice was not just a practical one—costing less than €1 a month—but also a strategic move to ensure compliance with European data regulations. Setting it up was a breeze, taking him less than two hours. Now, Hols relished the assurance that his container images were stored in Europe, harmonizing both compliance and efficiency to provide peace of mind.
Emphasizing European DNS
Equally significant was Hols' decision to exit the use of American DNS services like Cloudflare and Google. He recognized the privacy risk tied to depending on foreign infrastructure and discovered Quad9, a DNS service based in Switzerland, which pledged robust security and privacy. Switching to Quad9 was remarkably straightforward; by simply altering the DNS settings on his router, he took a small, yet powerful step toward fortifying his data privacy. This motivated him to rethink other aspects of his digital life, reinforcing his commitment to using services that safeguarded personal information.
Searching for Alternatives
Despite many successful transitions, Hols faced challenges when it came to GitHub. Although current risks are low—since it doesn't store sensitive data—he actively searched for a European alternative for npm. The task wasn't trivial; npm is crucial for his development workflow, and without it, many of his tools would falter. Hols is currently scouting for public mirrors in Europe while considering setting up a private registry, drawing upon his experience with Verdaccio to ensure smooth operations. He understands that this proactive approach will help him remain agile, giving him the ability to pivot when necessary.
The Call for Privacy and Control
In conclusion, Hols firmly believes in a collective reassessment of our reliance on American cloud services. As privacy concerns morph into serious realities, opting for European alternatives is not merely a preference; it is an absolute necessity. By committing to services that prioritize user privacy, we can significantly enhance our digital interactions while maintaining firm control over our own data. Hols' journey stands as a compelling reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding our digital identities in an increasingly interconnected world.
References
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