Sync Folders on Mac and iPad-iPhone

[fdw777]

Currently I use a Synology NAS to keep my files in Sync so that there with me on all my Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, MBP, MacMini). I've been doing this for several years now and has been working great. I like the idea of using my NAS as a in-between to shuffle my file to all my devices, however over the past few years iCloud has come a long way (from Mac-Me) as far as speed and reliability. Not 100% sure about the security of my files (especially sensitive ones) like tax documents as such.
The other day I was thinking about using iCloud to do the work of my NAS...But security is weighting heavy on my mind. Any advice???

 

[gilby101]

You already trust Apple by using macOS (it is forever chattering with Apple servers). Not much of a step to trust Apple iCloud. But, Apple will turn over your iCloud data to law enforcement if they get the right request.

Let me ask questions about other risks you might be taking. Do you answer 'no' to any of these?
Do you encrypt ALL your disks on your MBP and Mac Mini?
Do you encrypt all your disks on your Synology?
Do you do to encrypt data on your iPhone and iPad?
Do you encrypt all your backups?
Do you use a strong password on all your devices?
Do you use a strong password and 2FA for your Apple ID?
Do you encrypt all your emails?
Do you run a malware protection product?
Do you have an alarm system?

Finally, are you a likely target of any country/state agency?

 

[subjonas]

I don’t have enough expertise to give advice, but I personally avoid cloud whenever possible. I figure why put all my data on a company’s server if I don’t have to? If I can sync locally and still have all the pertinent data I need with me, then I’d much prefer that. (Although if I do have to trust a company with all my data, Apple would be around the top of the list.) But I haven’t really looked into locally syncing all my files on all my devices yet. For the last several years, I’ve just been keeping it all on a portable HD synced with my main computer, and taking that drive with me when I think I’ll need it. I wish Finder and Files app had an automatic selective sync function like Dropbox has, but maybe that Synology is a good way to go. I should look into it.

 

[chabig]

Keep your sensitive financial documents in an encrypted disk image. That way, they’ll stayed synced, but secure. Unfortunately they won’t be usable on the iPad or iPhone.