Keeping Your Data Secure Within the Cloud

As we’ve recently touched upon the processes involved in migrating your business’ IT needs to a cloud-based infrastructure, today we will further expand upon the best practice you should be implementing to keep your data safe in the cloud.

Cloud based computing can provide a wealth of benefits to your business; enabling greater system scalability; reduced management of IT infrastructure; reduced overhead costs and streamlined data storage. However, it’s essential to implement strict data protection policies to ensure your data remains safe and secure in the cloud, whilst enabling you to get the most out of your cloud-based systems.

Primary Threats

As cloud-based storage is a hugely efficient and convenient method of storing data, many businesses have opted to migrate their systems. Once migrated, an enterprise’s data is stored in external data centres maintained by a third party, this data is subsequently accessible to employees in any location with internet access.

Whilst the threat of your business’ data being breached on the cloud is extremely low, it’s important to remain aware of the two primary threats, as outlined below.

1. Human Error

It may be reassuring to hear that the primary threat to the security of your data is human error, as this can be easily remedied through the implementation of clear data security policy and user training. According to Kroll Ontrack, 14% of data loss is the product of human error – with accidental deletion of data and overwriting of data being common errors.

2. Threat Actors

The second threat to your business’ data is the possibility of cyber-attacks by threat actors. Malicious attacks can be carried out by both external and internal threat actors; cyber criminals may make attempted hacks on your systems to extract your data as it provides a lucrative opportunity for illicit financial gain. However, disgruntled employees can occasionally pose a threat to data if they wish to steal it for either financial or personal gain.

Preventing Attacks

As suggested, strong data security policy and user awareness training are essential in minimising the risk of human error and data deletion within your enterprise, whilst also minimising the threats of cyber-attacks. Your security policy should at minimum cover the following bases; enhanced endpoint security to prevent unauthorised access to corporate devices; network encryption to stop criminals accessing your servers; tightly controlled user access to keep system users to a minimum; clearly defined cloud usage policies to ensure employees are using and accessing the cloud in a safe and secure manner. If your business is to implement these strict policies, the risk of data mismanagement is greatly reduced, as is the risk of unauthorised access and cyber-attack.

Similarly, it’s essential to utilise a trusted MSP and reliable cloud service provider in order to access the best service possible for your company. At Fitzrovia IT we specialise in migrating businesses’ systems to a cloud-based infrastructure, with our IT experts managing cloud migration projects for a range of clients. If you want to further discuss the migration of your business’ systems to the cloud, or learn more about the best ways to protect your data, contact one of our team today to discuss further!