7-Point Checklist To Minimize Cloud Security Risks

Every business today has a cloud server to own their sensitive data. They are actively using cloud services to manage and operate most of their critical business applications.

Google G-Suite, Adobe, HubSpot, Microsoft Office 365. DropBox, Salesforce…and the list is plenty.

However, the question here is, “Is the data stored in your cloud server safe?”

With Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, there is no second-thought about safety when compared to your on-premise servers.

But, the catch is what about your data’s safety when it leaves the cloud to reach you? Simply put, what about cloud security while uploading and downloading on different and multiple systems.

Infringed log-in details, weak WiFi connections, employee’s carelessness, non-deletion of credentials on public systems, etc. are a few reasons that could lead to security mishaps and this means your cloud data is at an obvious risk.

Flash News: There are ways you can reduce your risk!

After you have understood how to secure cloud servers, we recommend you connect with our cloud security expert, Peter Paul, to ensure that you are on par with cloud security for your business.

What is Cloud Security?

The businesses are evolving multifold, and so are its levels of security, especially on the cloud.

Cloud security entails a set of practices, policies, technologies, and controls that must operate in tandem to secure the data, infrastructure, and cloud-based applications. The main aim is to secure cloud computing services from cybersecurity threats.

From allowing access to processing traffic to peruse the information on the cloud, the cloud security needs and levels can be configured to the business’s requirements. Both the business and the cloud service provider will get to decide the security levels that they need for their business.

There are three cloud service models:

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

It is a model where the cloud service provider permits infrastructure access to companies to maintain their servers, networking, storage, and other computing resources. Companies can use their applications and platforms in this infrastructure.

Platform as a service (PaaS)

It is a model where the cloud service provider enables a cloud-based platform for users to build and deliver applications. PaaS eliminates the need for organizations to have an infrastructure.

Software as a service (SaaS)

It is a cloud service model where users can get complete access to a fully built software on a subscription basis. The users will be able to access the software through the web or API.

Why is Cloud Security Significant?

Security mishaps are evolving continuously, and so are the vulnerabilities. And without cloud security, it means you are putting your business, reputation and clients in jeopardy.

However, with sophisticated cloud security, you get to

• centralize your business’s security
• control the access to the data
• reduce IT and administration costs
• be 100% compliant

According to a survey conducted by Ermetic-IDC, nearly 80% of the companies surveyed had experienced at least one cloud data breach in the past 18 months, and almost half (43%) reported 10, or more breach.

To save your business from becoming a victim to cloud data breaches, here are the measures that you need to stay compliant with.

7 Essential Measures To Minimize Cloud Security Risks

●      Educate Employees

The most common security breach happens due to the lack of awareness in employees. A cloud security expert could help to train your employees about

• how to secure cloud servers
• how to build and use security strategies during breaches,
• how to update your system’s security measures regularly.

There is nothing more insecure than having a compromised employee for security threats.

●      Ensure Data Backup

As businesses are more reliant on cloud computing, there is a lot of data exchange happening in and out. And this means a higher chance for intruders to interfere. Considering multiple data backup solutions on the cloud will help you to be prepared during breaches. If an intrusion is detected, the data access from one cloud can be suspended and terminated while not disturbing your daily business routine.

●      Use Multi-Factor Authentication [MFA]

Although having a conventional username and password sounds easy, it is highly insecure to block hackers from intervening. With an MFA, you can allow access to your cloud apps, sensitive data only to authorized personnel. It is one of the most cost-effective methods to protect your data from hackers.

●      Decide User Access

Not all employees need access to every file, application, and information. Setting authorization levels and user access will prevent data breaches, loss of sensitive information and protect hackers from stealing the credentials.

Besides, during suspicious activities, it becomes easy to track down the source of a data breach.

●      Protect Data From Departing Employees

Ensure a comprehensive departing process for every employee. When an employee quits your company, you must delete the employee’s complete access to data, emails, customer information, and intellectual properties.

●      Encrypt Data

Although encryption may sound trivial for data that does not hold much value, practising encryption for every level of data will avoid improper handling, unauthorized midway access, and data misuse. After all, any incoming and outcoming data may carry loops for other data.

●      Conduct Drills

Piloting various security breach scenarios to minimize cloud security risks will help you understand about the readiness of your team. Conducting impromptu drills will not only help you in preventing security threats but also understand and fix them. Besides, an impromptu session will help your employees to be mindful, always.

Outlook

After you have applied the different security strategies, you will unveil a whole new belief system to tackle cloud security risks that will come your way. Ensure to decide every factor before zeroing on your cloud service providers. With the best cloud security expert, your decisions will be abreast, you will be confident at every level to prevent security breaches, and you will minimize the cloud security risks.