CozyCloud

Cozy Cloud is an open-source, privacy-focused personal cloud platform designed to help individuals and organizations regain control over their digital data. Based in France, Cozy Cloud offers a suite of integrated applications for file storage, password management, financial tracking, and note-taking, all within a single, user-friendly ecosystem. Its mission is to provide a secure and decentralized alternative to mainstream cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, emphasizing user autonomy, data privacy, and compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR.

Cozy Cloud revolves around Cozy Drive, a file storage and synchronization service that enables users to upload, organize, and share files seamlessly across devices. Cozy Drive supports drag-and-drop uploads, folder-based organization, and automatic synchronization with desktop or mobile apps. The mobile app includes features like automatic photo uploads and document scanning for added convenience. Users can share files via secure links with options for managing permissions and expiration dates. Additionally, Cozy Drive retains the last 20 versions of files for recovery purposes and allows users to preview various file types directly in the browser, including music and video playback

Beyond file storage, Cozy Cloud integrates several other key applications:

• Cozy Pass: A built-in password manager that securely stores login credentials, payment methods, and identity details. Using client-side encryption (based on Bitwarden technology), Cozy Pass ensures that sensitive data is encrypted locally before being uploaded to the server. This zero-knowledge approach means that even Cozy’s servers cannot access the encrypted content.
• Cozy Banks: A financial management tool that consolidates bank account data by automatically importing transaction histories from connected institutions. It provides insights into spending patterns through personalized dashboards and visualizations.
• Cozy Notes: A lightweight note-taking application that allows users to create, edit, and share notes securely. Notes can be organized into folders or shared with collaborators who can contribute even without a Cozy account.

Its ability to connect with third-party services through an extensive library of connectors available in the Cozy Store. These connectors allow users to import data automatically from external sources such as banks, insurance companies, utility providers, or online retailers. For example, Cozy can retrieve invoices from Netflix or Amazon, health reimbursements from insurance companies, or bank statements from financial institutions. This automation transforms Cozy into a centralized hub for managing personal data efficiently.

It employs HTTPS/TLS encryption for data in transit and uses secure cookies to prevent unauthorized access. However, one notable limitation is the lack of default encryption for files at rest on its servers—a decision made to prioritize user experience over security complexity. While passwords and certain sensitive data (e.g., credentials stored in Cozy Pass) are encrypted client-side using robust cryptographic protocols, files stored in Cozy Drive are not encrypted at rest unless users apply third-party encryption tools themselves. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is available to enhance account security further.

As a French company hosting its data exclusively in France (via OVH), Cozy adheres strictly to GDPR requirements. It positions itself as a human-centric platform that respects user privacy by avoiding intrusive advertising or monetization of personal data. Transparency is emphasized through detailed privacy policies and clear explanations of how user data is handled.

Cozy Cloud also offers flexibility in deployment and pricing models. The platform provides free storage space with optional paid plans for additional capacity or advanced features. Users can access their data across multiple devices—PCs, smartphones, or tablets—without manual transfers or reliance on proprietary ecosystems.

Cozy Cloud has some limitations. The absence of file encryption at rest poses risks for storing highly sensitive information on its servers. Furthermore, while its ecosystem of apps is well-integrated, it may not match the breadth of functionality offered by larger competitors like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.

Cozy Cloud is a versatile personal cloud solution that combines file storage with tools for password management, financial tracking, and note-taking within a privacy-respecting framework. Its open-source nature allows transparency and fosters trust while giving users control over their digital lives. While it may not be ideal for storing highly sensitive files due to the lack of default at-rest encryption, it remains an excellent choice for individuals or organizations seeking a secure alternative to mainstream cloud platforms with strong European privacy compliance standards.