Is Cloud Storage Secure? How to Keep Your Data Safe

Times are changing, and the processes we use to back up and store our company data are changing along with them. However, even the most ardent technophile may find it somewhat disconcerting to trade physical backups in exchange for cloud storage when migrating their business to modern standards.

After all, the cloud isn’t always private, and it might not feel as secure as tangibly printing files and keeping them under lock and key. This begs the very justified question—is cloud storage secure? And how do you keep your data safe?

These are worthwhile questions that can be answered, and worries that can be reassured within a matter of moments. Let’s consider how:

Security Protocols for the Cloud

Instead of artificially reassuring you that there’s nothing to worry about when securing your business data through the cloud, let’s talk about the security practices and contingencies put in place to make that a reality.

Cloud storage encryption and security uses a combination of the following methods to keep your data safe and under enhanced protection:

  • Event loggingthis enables security analysts to measure and understand threats by logging network activity. This keeps your security process transparent at all times. You can think of this as digital CCTV.
  • Advanced firewalls – firewalls verify and inspect data packets against known security threats, ensuring that only those with approved access can work within your cloud system.
  • Encryption – encryption secures the strength of your files by securing their contents with a security key, an electronic padlock if you will. Only those with the key can access and read your data.
  • Intrusion detection and alerts – in the highly unlikely event that all else fails, unauthorized access triggers immediate notification of the threat before any real damage can be done.
  • Real-life security – cloud hosting servers are thoroughly protected and secured, as they are major assets and carry sensitive data for a range of businesses. They are often underground and under several levels of intensive security, making a physical break-in and security breach much less likely.

How can you keep your data safe?

There are many measures you can take to keep your cloud data safe.

Simulating data breaches and measuring response times can be a good idea, as is training your staff to be on guard for threats and helping them practice digital hygiene when accessing your cloud files (such as logging into your network  VPN and changing passwords regularly). Being aware of phishing attack vulnerabilities and using two-factor authentication (or better yet, multi-factor authentication) can be a great idea.

But most importantly, having a worthwhile service to help you integrate cloud data use within your service is essential. With the best IT services curating a custom solution for your particular business, you can make cloud onboarding a seamless and pleasant experience, one that denotes the future exciting utilities of your firm.

With this advice, you should not only feel reassured that cloud storage is more than secure, but that it’s a necessary step forward for your business.

Chris Turn
 

Chris has experience covering the latest trends in the small business world, and has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, creative and strategic blogger. He has a deep understanding of marketing and branding principles and how they can be applied to small businesses, and is able to provide actionable advice and strategies for success. Chris has interviewed industry experts and covered major marketing events such as the SXSW Interactive conference and the Advertising Week conference. He is also a successful small business owner himself, which allows him to bring a unique perspective to his blogging and writing. His blog is known for providing valuable insights and tips on how to effectively market and brand a small business.