How to Keep Your Cloud-Based Data Safe in the Cloud to Protect Your Business

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cloud storage security

Last Updated on January 6, 2020

Cloud-based storage is an increasingly popular data storage option for big and small businesses that allows them to store data at a remote location. It is then accessible through an internet connection from anywhere. Many of the cloud storage providers offer unlimited storage, which allows businesses to keep most of their files on the cloud, making it a cost-effective solution. It’s also speeding up personal computers and allowing the data to be accessed by anyone in the company quickly and easily.

However, as more businesses make this move for both the backing up and continual storage of data, there is also an increase in the risks associated with cloud data storage.

The three most significant threats to cloud data are in the form of damage, theft, and access denial to legitimate users. The reason for access denial to authorized users is a threat to this type of storage is that the downtime that can cause a loss while the problem is being resolved.

There are two arguments when it comes to the safety of using the cloud for data storage. One side is that hackers who are looking for useful information are much more likely to target a cloud storage system as opposed to a personal computer because there are greater rewards in getting into the entire database.

The other side is that getting your computer or phone stolen is much more likely to happen than getting your cloud account hacked, so using a cloud-based system is a lot more secure.

To keep your cloud-based system secure, there are a few things you need to make sure a cloud-based storage system can do for you before letting them take care of your data storage:

Multi-factor authentication.

Having more than one step to logging in, such as entering a password and answering a security question, will help ensure the safety of your cloud system. Some systems will allow you to have a two-step authentication process in which one password is put in on the computer, and the other is done by a completely separate device such as your mobile phone.

Checks and balances.

It’s important that you have some tools on your side that allow you to detect intrusions, encrypt files, and analyze unknown or questionable data. These are tools that can help you prevent digital theft from occurring or catching it early enough to minimize the loss. Another important thing is that the company that is managing your system has minimal if any, access to your files.

Open system.

Always read and make sure you understand the privacy policy and the terms and conditions of a company before you trust them with your data. Some companies have policies in place that may allow them to revoke your access to your own account, and your blind agreement to that policy means that it is not much you can do to get access to your data again.

data center security

Physically protected servers.

Because your data is physically stored on the servers of the cloud-based company, it’s important that the company has measures in place to protect their servers from people gaining access to the data in person. Always ask about the security of the location of the physical servers of the cloud-based system you are considering.

Regular testing of security.

There are third-party companies that can perform “penetration tests” on cloud-based storage systems where they attempt to break through the security measures at the software level to test for weaknesses. Companies that regularly test their own security systems work hard to keep them upgraded, which means they are typically more secure than the ones that do not.

In conclusion, there is no real way to have your data completely 100% secure in this digital age, but it is important to make sure that it is being stored in the most secure location possible.

Data storage on a cloud-based system can be beneficial to any sized business, but no matter what you are using your cloud for, make sure you thoroughly research a company before subscribing to their services.

You can find data storage systems for any level of storage amount and for any monthly amount, but what is more important than saving a few dollars and getting unlimited storage space is how secure that data is going to be, and how quickly and easily you will be able to access it when you need it.

These are the main security factors to consider when you are deciding to utilize cloud-based data storage. What is your favorite cloud provider? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading, until next time.

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