3 Ways to Protect Your Data in the Cloud

44293999 m

Every Business Needs to Invest in Cloud Security to Protect Data

Cloud security continues solidifying its place in the world of information technology as a subdomain of network and information security. As your organization’s IT leader, you understand that, no matter how much promise cloud computing initially held in terms of security, the hackers have caught up.

Cyber criminals and other virtual intruders have discovered all sorts of in-roads, back doors and other vulnerabilities, even when facing solid cloud backup applications and practices. A quick glance at the many retail breaches over the past several years is probably enough to strike a healthy fear in the minds of savvy CIOs around the world that ignites strong proactive measures.

3 Ways to Protect Your Data in the Cloud

With many cloud security myths dispelled in recent years−most importantly the myth that the cloud is inherently secure−IT professionals like yourself have had to face the cold hard truth that, just like anytime you deal with information security, cloud backup and security is essential. Hackers will never stop working to infiltrate your system to gain access to your—and your valued customers’—valuable and confidential information.

Thankfully, with the right security policies are in place to prevent and quickly detect impending attacks, you can maintain strong cloud safety. Add any or all of the following 3 ways to protect your data in the cloud to get started on shoring up your organization’s cloud-based computing:

1. Consider Just How Sensitive Data Is Before Storing It in the Cloud

While there are safeguards available for cloud storage, it simply makes better sense to assess data before placing it in storage. With some of your company’s most crucial data, according to your assessment of that data and its vulnerability, it is better to eliminate the added risk involved with storing it in the virtual world. Additionally, you can explore the availability of private cloud deployments versus public cloud backup.

2. Develop a Serious Password Creation and Storage Policy

CIO reports that “90 percent of all passwords can be cracked in seconds.” As often and emphatically as you reiterate this fact to your staff, it is all-too-easy for everyone to fall short of the best practices in password protocol. However, you cannot afford to gamble against 90-10 odds when it comes to cloud security that falls within your—and your staff’s—scope. Remind your team to regularly update their passwords with randomly chosen words and numbers and to store each new password in a secure offline location.

3. Encrypt Data Before Uploading it to the Cloud

While data encryption is mandatory in industries like healthcare, an increasing number of industries is beginning to follow this wise lead. If your company works with a healthcare organization, in any capacity, you will benefit from encrypting any files that contain confidential patient information. Regardless of your industry, encryption is worth the effort to keep data secure. In many cases, storing encrypted data in the cloud is safer than storing it on-site.

As you continue to investigate all the possible ways to maintain cloud privacy and protection, these steps offer you a solid cloud security foundation.

{{cta(‘a657a6d8-e6d4-4697-a5b3-a76e320a9a72’)}}

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing_security

http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/feature/Cloud-security-breaches-still-the-stuff-of-IT-nightmares

http://www.cio.com/article/2922374/cloud-security/20-of-the-greatest-myths-of-cloud-security.html

http://www.cio.com/article/2380182/cloud-security/5-tips-to-keep-your-data-secure-on-the-cloud.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2015/05/21/5-simple-ways-to-protect-your-cloud-data/#85e4f0c3d992

http://www.wisebread.com/10-critical-steps-to-protect-your-data-in-the-cloud

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/5-ways-to-keep-your-information-secure-in-the-cloud.htm

Related Reading: