Cloud computing is becoming a necessity for every company. Cloud computing helps organizations store data on physical and virtual servers, which can be accessed using the internet. Installing a complete software that can improve the operations and store the data is costly for companies; hence, companies prefer to use cloud computing service providers. With all the benefits of cloud computing, one of the major drawbacks is cloud security.
Importance of Cloud Security
Companies are uncertain about using software that is unreliable in terms of providing data security. Cloud security is designed to protect the data from loss, leakage, and theft. Thus, cloud service providers secure their cloud servers using security applications. The security applications run using Saas (Software as a service) model. Here is a list of reasons to look into cloud security as an essential element.
Third-Party Interference
Cloud computing platforms involve third-party interference. The third-party involved in this process is the cloud computing service provider. The data is saved by these cloud computing service providers in exchange for reimbursement. It can be risky; hence, it is important to have a secure cloud server.
Easily Accessible
Cloud computing has a benefit that it can be accessed by all the employees around the globe, creating flexible work arrangements for employees. However, access to important information from different PC’s and public Wi-Fi can be risky. Using public Wi-Fi involves unseen risks. Similarly, using a personal device to access the data can cause malware that can sabotage the data.
Cloud Disaster Recovery
It’s important to have a full-proof plan to keep your business moving in case of any disaster. Companies often lose their data on the cloud server if it is not fully secured. Cyberattacks, ransomware, and other threats are becoming very common; therefore, it is vital to have a secure cloud that lowers the risk of losing important data.
Obey the Regulations
The amount of security required for your data depends on the nature of your business. Industries like banking, finance, health, and insurance, etc. require a high-level of security. Comply with the regulations provided by HIPPA and GDPR to ensure the integrity and security of customer’s and company’s data.
Providing Access to Limited Employees
Provide access to cloud data to only those employees whose job entails. It will keep your data secure from leakage and hard for hackers to invade and avert the errors that may result in data leakage.
Top 10 Practices of Cloud Security
To save your data from any damage or loss, follow the ten best practices for cloud security.
Choose a Re-Known Provider
Select a cloud provider that adheres to the security protocols and industry practices at the highest level. Choose a provider that increases your market for partners and solutions so you can improve the security of your deployment. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are some of the leading providers of cloud computing as they offer access to confirm their security and compliance.
Understand Your Responsibility
Cloud computing service is based on partnership. When you move your data to the cloud, you need to understand your shared responsibility. It is important to understand the security tasks that will be under your control and the cloud provider’s control. The responsibility for security tasks depends on the software you choose. Amazon, Azure, Google, and Alibaba are few leading providers that share the responsibility model with the user to ensure transparency and clarity among the parties.
Thoroughly read the Contract and SLAs
Before you start working with your cloud provider, review the terms and conditions mentioned in the contracts and annexes to know what cloud computing companies would do with your data. Agree on terms that states you are the owner of your data and the clause that allows you to terminate the contract if the provider is providing conspicuousness into any security events. Try negotiating first if you’re not happy with any of the terms and conditions. In the case of non-negotiable terms and conditions, evaluate the risk associated with agreeing on the terms and conditions; otherwise, look for an alternative provider.
Train Your Users
To protect your data from theft or damage, train your employees thoroughly. Providing them with information security training will assist them in identifying malware, phishing emails, and other threats. For more advanced users such as administrators, you can also provide industry-specific training.
Regulate User Access
Control user access by limiting employee authority over the data and systems. Share the data and systems that they entail to avoid complexity when implementing policies to create groups with assigned roles and required resources.
Secure Your Endpoints
Make sure to protect the devices that are being used by the employees to access the data. Solutions like firewalls, antivirus, and other internet security tools can help you keep your data protected from all kinds of harm and damage.
Visibility of Cloud Services
Implement cloud security to all your data and operations. Monitor and protect your separate resources, projects, and regions using one single portal. The visibility of cloud services allows you to implement strong security policies and omit risks.
Execute Encryption
Secure your data using your encryption keys, so you have full control over your data, and your data can stay protected from theft and leakage.
Password Security Policy
Implement a strong password security policy to prevent unauthorized access or two-factor authentication to have strong control over your confidential data.
Use CASB
One of the most accepted practices of cloud security is the Cloud Access Security Broker. This software allows you to protect and maintain your data by providing visibility of complete cloud, security policies of your data, and identification of threats and implementing corrective measures to protect the data.
Cloud Security in 2020
As important as it is to implement the cloud security practices for protecting your data, it is also important to have the skills and knowledge to do it. The information security training assists the organization in implementing new methods along with the increased productivity in the workforce while keeping your data and applications secure.
If you wish to learn more about cloud computing, feel free to have a chat with our experts at QuickStart!