The Security of Cloud Storage Services

Data security is a massive issue for companies in the modern economy. So much of the work and customer interactions done by companies is occurring online. Not to mention the secret work of employees and researchers. Protecting intellectual property is vital, with corporate espionage a bigger issue than ever.

Data leaks can have a disastrous impact on a company. Not only can a business lose its secrets, but its perception among the public can be damaged – sometimes irreversibly. What is the best method for keeping data secure? Some say it is a physical server, while others swear by the cloud.

Storing data in the cloud is becoming an increasing trend among businesses. It is affordable, flexible and makes remote work a lot easier. But is it secure?

Data Security

When signing up for a cloud service for your business, it is important to ensure you are doing your part. It is important to create a robust password that ensures access to those files is limited. Most businesses will have a tiered management structure, and the same should apply to its data access security. Employees should have access to the files they will need, while upper management or the owner retains access to everything.

Ensure passwords are the right combination of letters, numbers and symbols, and change them every couple months. Enable two-factor authorization when possible, as it ensures a check with your smartphone while signing into your files.

Redundancy Helps

One of the methods used by cloud storage solutions to protect your data is redundancy. The biggest fear an individual or company has when it comes to cloud storage is their data being lost. But with redundancy, it is not possible. Most services will store multiple copies of your files, ensuring each copy is kept in a different location. Even if one location fails, there are other copies of your files serving as a backup.

Avoid Free Services

There are far too many instances of small business employees using free file sharing services to transmit company data. Perhaps one employee needed to send a file to another – and they used a free service like Dropbox. It may seem like an innocuous idea, but using such services can create a massive hole in the company’s data security system. Ensure employees are only using approved methods of communication and data transfer when dealing with company matters.

Protection Against Hacks

History shows us that any company could be vulnerable to a hack, and even the best protected data can become compromised. However, data is safer at a top cloud storage company than on the physical servers of a small business. Why? Because the cloud storage company has the means and expertise to enact better security measures that are regularly updated to handle the latest threats. In contrast, the physical servers at a small business will have minimal security protections, and are far more vulnerable.

Yes, there is a tiny chance your data could become compromised as it is stored on the cloud. But that chance is much greater if you continue to store your data on hard drives or physical servers that are connected to a company network.

Discuss Security with a Provider

Before agreeing to any offer from a cloud storage provider, it is important to discuss security. The cloud storage solution should offer continuous monitoring and visibility for data interactions with cloud storage applications. Data encryption should be automatically enabled for file transfers, and the provider should have a system for reporting compromises or issues with the cloud storage setup.

By taking the necessary precautions and working with a top provider, businesses can ensure their data is very safe on the cloud.

To chat with one of teQwise’s cloud security expertise please call us on 1800 478 643.

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