Cloud storage can bring a wide range of benefits to companies and businesses of all sizes. But keeping data stored on the cloud safe and secure is an important consideration that should not be overlooked? So how can you ensure cloud data security? Well, here at Creative Network Solutions, we are Preston’s leading IT support and network services experts. From secure remote access services to business VoIP, we are the team you can count on. And this is our guide to everything you should know about the different options for securing data that is stored in the cloud.
Important cloud data security considerations for businesses
For businesses to secure the data they store in the cloud and within the cloud connected network, encryption is essential. SMBs will need to consider:
- Using encryption for data before storing this- By encrypting the data before it is stored in the cloud, you can control the different encryption measures in place, and prevent this from being stored in an unsafe, or insecure place.
- Ensuring end to end encryption- You should also make sure that your provider offers encryption to secure your data in transit to and from your cloud service. This is particularly important for sensitive data like financial or confidential company information and data.
- Effective management of encryption keys- to access the data, encryption requires various keys. These need to be controlled and guarded carefully, to prevent unauthorized access to your data. You will need to establish whether the cloud provider manages these keys for you, or if you will have to keep track of them internally.
How can policy help keep cloud data safe?
Apart from encrypting the right information and files, you should also update company policy regarding cloud services, including:
- Avoiding document downloads- where possible, your team should only download documents or attachments when absolutely necessary, Otherwise, it is always best practice to preview the attachments online, rather than saving and accessing these from local storage.
- Communication protocols for suspected phishing attacks- make sure your team know who to contact, and when, regarding any suspected phishing attacks.
- Multi-factor authentication- this is something that should be implemented across your company to protect data. This is used on top of simple passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized users and may help to halt low-level cyber attacks.
- Revisiting user access- make sure that your company reviews user access permissions regularly, as well as removing unused user accounts.
- Keeping software up to date- most software updates also include patches designed to fix any security issues that have been noticed. Keeping up to date with these can protect your cloud data.
For more information or advice about your network security, systems, or cloud solutions, why not ask the experts today, here at Creative Network Solutions.