Cloud storage services protect files by default, but shared links carry growing security risks over time.
WIRED reported that links can get mistakenly forwarded in an email or contacts can have their email account hacked, giving unintended users access to view, change, or delete files depending on set permissions. Running a regular audit on active cloud sharing links is prudent because the longer links stick around, the bigger the risk gets.
Swapping large amounts of data previously meant using USB drives, but users can now share files anywhere via a couple of clicks and a link using services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud. Apps usually make audits straightforward, and once a link is closed down, no one else can get to it.
For Microsoft OneDrive, users can go to the web portal, click a Shared link in the left menu, and select By you at the top of the file list to view everything shared with other people. Files and folders can be sorted using the Modified header by oldest or most recent. Clicking the three dots next to any file or folder and selecting Manage access controls who can get to it.
Specific people can be removed, or widely shared files and folders can be deleted by clicking the trash can, while Office files can also be opened to manage access. When sharing a file in OneDrive on the web via the three dots and Share, clicking the cog icon on the Share panel allows users to set an expiration date for the sharing.
For Apple iCloud, users can open the web interface and click Shared on the left menu to go straight to files and folders shared with other people. While there is no easy way to sort them, users can use the search box in the top right corner.