While we're big proponents of cloud services, including those used for data storage, it is important to point out that it isn't just a matter of having a cloud. Whether you're using your cloud storage as your business' primary data storage or simply using it as a backup, part of your considerations needs to be whether or not your cloud storage remains secure.
Let's dive into how one would do that. The first step: evaluating how secure the cloud provider keeps their cloud solution.
The Provider is the One Who Determines How Secure Cloud Storage Is
That's really the long and the short of it. The cloud provider has no shortage of ways to maintain the security around your data… after all, the cloud is just the infrastructure they're allowing you remote access to so that you can utilize its resources. In the case of cloud storage, you're basically borrowing someone's server.
As a result, your data relies on whatever protections the cloud provider has in place (or unfortunately doesn't).
A trustworthy cloud provider will secure your data through the combination of assorted security methods and safeguards—including access controls, encryption, data redundancy, and cloud monitoring—with it all tested on a regular basis to ensure that it is all functioning as intended. Furthermore, your cloud provider should also be focused on the safety of their own infrastructure, locking down the servers that house the data and securing them appropriately.
On Top of This, Your Data Needs to Be Available
When all is said and done, any data that is inaccessible to you might as well not exist. In light of this, it is important to find a cloud provider that offers some kind of uptime guarantee.
With so many reasons that you could potentially lose your access to your data (from user error to service disruption to mechanical failure to cyberattack) you need to find a provider who has contingencies prepared.
Having Said This, Most Cloud Security Issues Come from the Client’s Side
More often than not, security issues that impact the cloud (when dealing with a reputable provider, that is) will originate from some error on the client side. Just a few examples of how this might happen include:
- Shadow IT, as your users store your data on an unapproved service or platform
- Files being shared inappropriately
- Cloud resources being accessible through Insecure passwords
- Users inadvertently deleting data
- Cloud resources being accessed using Insecure devices
Honestly, the cloud is incredibly secure. Where you start to find issues is in user behavior and management. To successfully use the cloud, your team needs to know how to properly use it so that productivity and security are both possible.
We can help you accomplish this goal. Call (215) 853-2266 today to learn more about how we can help your business get all it can out of its IT.
