The advancements in cloud technology allowed numerous business and individual users to store their data and apps at a reasonable price, which further increased the offer of cloud services. However, as this type of online data storage became more and more popular, the security risks that come with it became even greater.
While providers tend to expand their offer with premium security services, we would like to show you what you can do from your side to secure the integrity of your cloud storage.
REGULAR BACKUPS
Most cloud service providers perform an automatic backup of your information, which should put your mind at ease to a certain level. However, it’s difficult to know for sure how secure their backup devices are and whether your cloud server would become a victim of an online threat.
For this reason, it’s good practice to back up your data using your physical drive and keep it offline to make sure nobody could reach it via the internet. This way you’ll have your most recent changes saved and protected in case of an accident or a cyber attack.
TWO-STEP AUTHENTICATION
The online arena is full of diverse threats. According to most recent statistics, cyber-attacks happen every 39 seconds, and new ways to fall prey to a cybercriminal keep appearing. This is why, sometimes, it’s not enough to keep your data protected by a password no matter how creative and complex it might be.
Two-step, also known as two-factor or multi-factor, authentication is an amazing way to bring your cloud safety to the next level because it requires two levels of identity confirmation. The first step is when you type in your user name and password, followed by the second step which includes receiving a confirmation message through your phone or email, asking you to verify your intention to log in.
USER-LEVEL ACCESS
In case your cloud data is available to multiple users, it’s important to make sure that each user has access only to the most essential data and could perform only those actions that you allow them to. This way you can avoid loss of information caused by people you allowed to reach your cloud storage.
Writing services that hire assignment writers online often grant their workers access to specific task-related files so they could see their next assignment or download resources they need to finish the task. The possibilities for user-level access settings are vast and depend on your business organization hierarchy or personal requirements. Access restrictions could be placed using a password or based on a user’s role.
DATA ENCRYPTION AT REST
There are numerous ways in which your security credential could be compromised, which means an unauthorized person could reach any information you keep on the cloud. One of the best ways to keep your data secure is to use data encryption at rest. This security measure keeps your data encrypted while not in use or transit, making it inaccessible even if someone would use your password and user name.
Encryption means concealing the actual data, such as financial information (credit card number
and codes), into unreadable codes. It will help strengthen your cybersecurity and increase
people’s trust in your business system.
Moreover, data encryption at rest is a security measure required by HIPAA standards for corporate users, which means business users should not avoid applying this practice.
STANDARDIZED CLOUD SERVICE ASSESSMENT
We stated earlier that there is a multitude of cloud service providers, and not all of them provide the same level of service. Therefore, it’s of paramount importance that you make sure your choice of service provision meets your security and operational requirements. Before you decide on a provider, create a list of questions that cover your expectations so you can make an informed decision and reduce the number of additional security measures you would have to
This way, you can choose the best cybersecurity features for your business. So how do you choose the best cloud solution for your business?
Here are the benefits of cloud service assessment and cloud migration:
- Ensure Excellent Cloud Services: Cloud service assessment help meet your security requirements. Choose a cloud service provider that offers a wide range of services or a one-stop-shop for your cloud needs.
- Cloud Migration: It is crucial to shift your outdated system to the cloud to make your business more competitive. With cloud technology, you can protect your system from security breaches better as compared to using traditional business systems. PeopleSoft to cloud migration is a great way to protect your business data, which utilizes cloud technology. It is because more stringent safety protocols are set in place.
- Seamless Data Backup: Data backup is seamless and easy over the cloud. There’s no need to utilize external drives to backup data.
RESET PASSWORDS REGULARLY
Keeping the same password for a long time is a significant threat to the safety of your cloud-based information. Anything from staying logged in on a public computer to loss of device or an aggravated ex-employee can lead to trouble.
For these reasons, it’s a smart practice to renew credentials for each account that has access to your cloud server. Make sure to come up with complex passwords with upper case letters, numbers, and symbols. This way, even if some of the above-mentioned occurrences take place, you won’t have to worry about potential unauthorized access.
Check the following tips when resetting passwords regularly:
- Avoid using your birthday or name when creating passwords.
- Create easy-to-remember passwords without using your personal information by creating sentence passwords or reversed spelling words.
- Change your passwords at least once every 30 days.
- Never share your passwords with anyone else. If you have many passwords, you can use a password manager to help you. A password manager generates, retrieves, and keeps track of super-long, random passwords of different accounts. It protects all online info, including credit-card numbers a three-digit CVV codes (usually found at the back of the card) with encryption.
WRAPPING UP
These are some of the best ways to increase the level of security of your information on the cloud. Cybersecurity is an important issue; you should stay up to date with the latest measures of protection by taking cybersecurity training courses, and do your best to keep your data unharmed. The choice of cloud service provider plays a major role, as well, so choose wisely.
