Storj is a decentralized cloud storage platform that uses blockchain technology to keep users’ files safe. Instead of entrusting your sensitive files with centralized services like Google Drive or Dropbox, Storj distributes your encrypted files across a network of machines and only you hold the keys to your stuff. With the help of blockchain technology, Storj is able to provide a faster, cheaper, and safer alternative to the existing cloud storage platforms.

Encrypted & Decentralized

Storj encrypts users’ data client-side – on their computer – even before they are uploaded. They are then shredded into tiny pieces called ‘shards’ and distributed across the network of computers around the world. No one except the file owner will have complete access to his or her files. The network of computers will only have pieces of the files – encrypted ones at that.

Storj can be potentially faster and cheaper than existing storage providers. It can be faster because a whole network of computers are working simultaneously to get your files to you. You can quickly and safely access your files because there is no need to trust a sole corporation, whose integrity can be compromised.

Traditional cloud storage platforms build facilities for the purpose of storing users’ data. These facilities can be costly to build and maintain thus burdening the consumers with high fees. At the same time, if the facility goes down due to a hack, power outage, or whatnot, all users will be unable to access their files. Storj does not have an expensive state-of-the-art facility but instead uses the extra storage space of those who are willing to rent theirs out to create a decentralized network. Storj then cannot have downtime and is more secure because there is not one singular facility that can be compromised. It is also a lot cheaper because users simply rent people’s excess hard-drive space, pay for what they consume, instead of paying a data center for some set minimum storage space.

Drive Farming

Storj allows people to rent out their extra hard-drive space. 

This is how Storj creates a network of decentralized computers for their customers to store their files. The Storj website actually compares this renting out of space to cryptocurrency mining; using your extra hard-drive space to farm STORJ is like using your computer’s computing power to mine Bitcoin. It’s a great way to make a little extra on the side if you have free hard-drive space lying around.