Many businesses use the cloud to increase their data storage capability. Yet, news of breaches occurs almost every day. What do you do to ensure your data is safe? Let’s look at some ideas to keep your data safe and secure.
How the Cloud Works
Saving your information to the cloud works the same as saving to your computer. But instead of the information being saved to the office server, it’s stored on servers around the world owned by large corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. All you need is an internet connection for accessing your data. If you use Gmail, Dropbox, or Office 365, you’re using cloud services. The device doesn’t matter, either. Smartphones, tablets, and personal computers all use the cloud to free up storage space on the actual device’s local storage drive. Using the cloud at work lets multiple employees or customers to do business without bogging down the team productivity.
What are the Risks?
The major risks of using the cloud include hackers, ransomware, viruses, and other types of malware, as well as end-user misuse. Although cloud service providers offer security, organizations should not assume that the built-in security of cloud service providers will be adequate. Adding extra layers of security to your cloud infrastructure is never a bad idea. Security options include both hardware and software depending on your needs. Discuss choices with your IT technicians and decide on the best solution for your business.
What is a CASB?
Cloud access security brokers (CASB) are software tools or services that address cloud risks, enforce security policies, and follow industry regulations. The software protects your organization’s cloud usage through identity, service, activity, and data monitoring. It secures the data en route to and from the cloud, whether users are on the premises, working remotely, or using mobile devices. A CASB offers 24-hour protection against unauthorized access, illegal downloading, malware attacks, and more.
Cloud Provider Security
If you use major cloud hosts like Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, or others, rest easy knowing these companies employ physical security measures at their data centers. Smart cards, biometric scanners, motion sensors, security officers, and video surveillance all operate wherever the computer servers are located. Tiered access control lists and firewalls add extra protection to each system. Office 365’s built-in security, for example, may be adequate if it’s the only cloud service an organization uses.
Control Cloud Access
A major part of cloud security monitors user access. Business owners designate managers and upper-level staff access to the most sensitive information while keeping other employees from accessing this data. Both corporate cloud hosts and CASBs offer this type of restriction. That way, you know all your most valuable information won’t fall into the wrong hands. In addition, you’re alerted when an authorized person attempts access.
Use Encryption
Encrypting files before saving to the cloud is another way businesses protect data. In addition, many cloud hosts offer more encryption services, protecting information from loss, theft, or inappropriate access. Microsoft, for instance, encrypts each file with its own key, and each future update receives encryption with a new key.
No matter what security the cloud provides, always incorporate your own defenses as well. Remember, the ultimate responsibility for protecting your company data lies with you.
Get E-mail Updates
If you're interested in receiving weekly updates when we publish new articles, please sign up here. You can unsubscribe at any time. No SPAM, we promise 🙂More from my site
Latest posts by Mr. 4HWD (see all)
- What are the Best UK Banks for Business Loans? - December 1, 2023
- Vacation Time Prevents Burnout - December 1, 2023
- 8 Products Made in the UK - April 16, 2023
Ryan says
Great post on cloud security! I especially agree with the encryption part. I think something that’s important to consider is where the encryption key lives. Some cloud hosts require a copy of your encryption key. The challenge with this is that if your data is compromised, you still have to do a breach notification under GDPR since the copy of the encryption key could have been compromised as well. This is why it’s best to encrypt sensitive data before pushing it to the cloud.