6 Security Practices For Your Cloud Data
In recent years, cloud-based services have undergone continuous innovation and evolved to become a must-have technology for businesses of all sizes. Companies are turning to cloud technology for efficient data storage and management and its numerous benefits.
Sadly, the increasing dependence on the cloud brings security risks, particularly when handling sensitive data. With this in mind, businesses must prioritize the security of their cloud-based assets and observe the best security practices to safeguard against potential threats. Here are several key security practices to keep your company's cloud data safe:
1. Understand The Shared Responsibility Model
Regarding security in the cloud, it follows a shared responsibility model. In simple terms, while it's the main obligation of a company, the cloud service provider assumes responsibility for some aspects of IT security. Learning about this model is a good starting point if you hire IT consultants.
Some of the reputable providers of infrastructure as a service (IaaS) provide documentation to clients so they know their specific responsibilities. Companies planning on switching to the cloud should carefully review their policies on shared security responsibilities and fully know who'll handle various aspects of cloud security. Doing so can prevent misunderstandings. Transparency on responsibilities can lower the chances of security risks due to security falling out of place.
2. Data Encryption
Reputable cloud service providers should ensure the physical safety of all data in the cloud. Generally, encryption is key to safeguarding information during transit or at rest. Nowadays, providers can utilize various encryption methods, such as file or database encryption, full disk encryption, and application layer encryption, to name a few. It may be best to get outsourced IT in Ottawa so you have a superior level of encryption.
You can also protect your business data in transit by encrypting it before transferring it to the cloud. Simply, you can safeguard data by encrypting it first while it's stored.
3. Employee Training
One way to prevent hackers from accessing credentials for the cloud is to train your workforce to spot potential cybersecurity threats and respond properly. The training should include basic security knowledge, such as creating a solid password and identifying social engineering attacks like phishing.
The security department should also undergo specialized training. Due to the constantly evolving threat landscape, your IT security department will have a better chance of thwarting malicious attempts if they know about emerging threats and potential countermeasures to implement, especially during a possible data breach.
4. Secure All Endpoints
The transition to cloud services will still require concrete endpoint security. Remember that it's the endpoint that directly connects to the cloud service.
A comprehensive defense strategy should ideally include anti-malware, firewalls, access control, and intrusion detection. Recently, this has been the standard for network and endpoint security. However, as cybersecurity threats evolve, investing in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools and endpoint protection platforms (EPP) to ensure better security may be best.
Both solutions combine traditional endpoint security capabilities with automated responses and continuous monitoring. An advantage is the capability to tackle several security requirements, including endpoint encryption, patch management, insider threat prevention, and virtual private networks (VPNs), to name a few.
5. Create An Access Management Policy
Unauthorized access is also a main concern for companies. Although hackers are becoming more shrewd in finding ways to infiltrate highly secure systems, investing in a superior identity and access management (IAM) solution can mitigate these threats. Ideally, choose one that allows you to define and implement access policies based on the least privileged.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is worth considering as an extra security layer. Once in place, it helps minimize the risk of malicious actors accessing sensitive information. Even if a hacker can acquire usernames and passwords, they cannot gain full access once they reach the step that requires biometric scans or a text code.
6. Scrutinize The Compliance Requirements
If your business is in an industry that gathers personally identifiable information, such as healthcare, retail, or financial services, strict data security and client privacy regulations exist.
Reviewing the compliance requirements of the cloud service provider you plan on hiring is crucial. The main purpose is to ensure the provider meets your company's data security needs. Maintaining compliance should be the top priority. Remember that governing bodies will hold your business liable for any breaches, even if the security issue originated with the cloud provider.
Final Thoughts
Cloud technology has brought innovations, allowing businesses of all sizes to take significant operational strides. If the cloud plays a key role in the daily operations of your business, it's crucial to prioritize the security aspect due to the increasing threat of cybersecurity attacks. These security practices will keep your cloud data safe as daily operations continue seamlessly.