Cloud-based file and data storage solutions have become increasingly popular over the past few years—see dozens of cloud storage services around—but some consumer-level options don’t have the right security or operating procedures in place to meet regulatory requirements.
Nextcloud Hub (Opens in a new tab) It is a self-hosted storage solution that includes document management tools, secure email, built-in calendar, and secure video chat, providing complete control over your files and data. In this guide, we explain exactly how to use Nextcloud Hub to easily and securely host your files.
How to host your files online with Nextcloud hub: preparation
Nextcloud Hub is a self-hosted solution, so you must purchase hosting before you can use it. We were Hostinger (Opens in a new tab) For this how-to guide, a popular hosting provider with a strong focus on security. Their basic plans start at just a few dollars per month, which makes them an ideal solution if you’re on a tight budget, or don’t want to spend a lot.
With your server in place, the next step is to install Nextcloud Hub. Many hosts, including Hostinger, have some form of automatic installer that you can use to quickly add scripts. Hostinger’s auto-installer enables you to do just that, and supports Nextcloud Hub and a host of other popular apps and content management systems. You can find it in hPanel. The installation process is very simple, and you can follow the Complete guide (Opens in a new tab) on the Hostinger website.
Step 1: Learn about user resources
Nextcloud provides comprehensive user (Opens in a new tab) And Admin Handbooks (Opens in a new tab) containing a wealth of information. These should be your go-to docs if you encounter issues setting up a server or performing specific tasks.
Step 2: Customize your User Dashboard
Then, you can customize the main user dashboard and change its appearance to suit your tastes. You can change the background of the dashboard, and you can even choose a personal background image from your files.
A large selection of widgets is available, many of which are pre-installed, but you can add extras from the Nextcloud App Store if needed. Here, you’ll find tons of apps covering everything from news tools to security add-ons to help protect your files.
Step 3: Add new users
If multiple employees or team members require access to files stored in the Nextcloud Hub, you can add individual profiles and set explicit access permissions. This is especially useful if you’re working with a larger team, where different people need access to different sensitive documents.
To change a user’s permissions, click the drop-down menu at the top right of the Dashboard and hit the Users button. Here, you can add new users, create user groups, and edit existing access controls.
Step four: secure yourself
The point of using a self-hosted file storage solution like Nextcloud is that it offers better security than most alternatives. However, you should still make sure that your security settings are configured correctly. Within the Settings menu, you will find a Security tab with several options.
For example, you can require all users to use two-factor authentication (2FA), which we highly recommend. You can also turn on server-side encryption, which provides an extra layer of security to protect sensitive files. However, it will also make your upload and download speeds noticeably slower, so only use it if you have to. You can also create global password policies to ensure that all users have strong passwords.
It’s also a good idea to check your hosting provider’s security, as this can be a major vulnerability if you don’t follow security hygiene best practices. Make sure you have an SSL certificate installed to allow secure data transmission, and use other security measures where applicable.
Step 5: Create a clear file hierarchy
With Nextcloud Hub, you can create new folders and subfolders to help you organize your files. First, head over to the main files interface, where you will find an ordered list of your current files. You can upload files and add new folders by clicking the plus sign at the top of the screen, and folders can be dragged inside other folders for better organization.
You can also sort files by tags, which can be added to your files each time you upload a new one. Moreover, there is a Favorites folder that allows you to quickly access your tagged files.
Step 6: Download the desktop and mobile clients
Managing your Nextcloud Hub via a web browser is easy, but you can also download desktop and mobile apps to automatically sync files. These are especially useful if you want a complete backup of the data stored on your computer or mobile device. Desktop sync software also ensures that all files are shared between connected devices.
Available for iOS and Android devices, the Nextcloud Files mobile app allows you to access, manage, and upload files directly from your mobile device.
summary
Getting started with Nextcloud Hub is straightforward. Using the software with a trusted hosting provider like Hostinger allows you to store your files and other data in a very secure way.
You may also want to read about Hostinger alternatives in our guide to Best web hosting services (Opens in a new tab)or explore alternative file hosts in our guide to The best secure file hosting services (Opens in a new tab).
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