Cloud computing is a hot topic right now, and for good reason. The benefits of using cloud services are endless: reduced IT costs, faster scalability and deployment times, increased flexibility in the workplace. However, many people do not understand how to make sure that their data is secure on the cloud. This blog post will discuss cloud security and why it’s important.
Contents
What Is Cloud Security?
Cloud security is the process of protecting data and the systems that hold it. It is a subset of internet security, which includes all computer networks from local to global levels.
Most people think cloud security has something to do with physical servers in some concrete building somewhere on Earth, but that’s only partially true; there are lots more points at which things can go wrong for your data online than just those locations!
The Purpose of Cloud Security
Many companies are taking advantage of the benefits that come from using cloud-based storage. Cloud computing provides a number of advantages, such as access to data and programs anywhere with an Internet connection.
The downside is that this also makes it easier for attackers to steal information in another company’s system if they can break through their security measures or get inside one of their servers. The purpose of cloud security is threefold: firstly, preserving privacy by limiting who has access to what type of information on which devices; this is also known as Zero Trust Security and is often accomplished by enforcing strict identity verification; secondly, protecting your organization’s sensitive data; and thirdly ensuring availability so employees have immediate access when needed.
Type Of Data Do You Need To Be Careful With
For optimal cloud security be wary of the following:
- PII: Personally identifiable information – PII refers to things like your name, social security number, address, etc. If someone has access then they can steal your identity or commit fraud against you
- SSN: Social Security Number – The SSN is a personal identifier that’s unique to each individual and organizations need it for tax-related purposes, so if someone has access then they can steal your identity or commit fraud against you
- HSM: Hardware security module – A key component of any strong cybersecurity system; the HSM stores all the cryptographic keys used in an organization, providing additional protection from malware attacks that target these files as well as theft and misplacement by employees who have physical access to them
- IRP: Incident response plan – This is used after data breaches occur because there are regulations governing how companies should react when this happens (e.g., informing customers).
Tips For Securing Your Data
The first step is to make sure that you have a clear understanding of what data needs protecting and why, as well as the likelihood or severity of it leaking out. This will help you identify where in your company’s processes such risks exist.
From collating large volumes of customer data to employees using their own devices at work. These are just some examples; there may be other areas within your organization that need addressing too so don’t wait until something goes wrong before taking action.
Once these potential dangers have been identified, take steps to mitigate them by providing training on best practices, building strong cyber resilience skills into organizational culture, and appointing a Cloud Security Officer to oversee proceedings.
As with any type of security measure, it is important not just to focus on the negative aspects but also on how you can enable greater productivity through better access via cloud-based services. The benefits for your employees are tangible:
- They will have remote or mobile working capabilities that allow them to increase their output
- Enjoy increased flexibility in terms of hours worked (e.g., working from home)
- Get more out of personal time between work commitments because they won’t be tied up at an office desk all day long
For most organizations, the best approach to security is a defense-in-depth strategy, which involves implementing multiple levels of protection that are tailored for their needs using industry-standard technologies from leading vendors.
In other words – data encryption at rest with AES256 (Advanced Encryption Standard), data encryption on the wire using SSL (Secure Socket Layer), password protection with two-factor authentication, data classification to understand what type of information is being stored, as well as the ability to encrypt any backup media.
The Different Levels Of Security
- Data encryption: Ensures your files are unreadable by unauthorized users. Data can be encrypted while at rest or during transmission – and usually both! There’s a range of different types of algorithms available for you to choose from depending on your needs; it’s recommended that organizations use industry-standard ciphers such as AES256 and RSA2048.
- Data classification: Ensures your files are classified as appropriate for their sensitivity. It is important to classify data because it will dictate how you should encrypt and protect the information – low-level data can be entirely unreadable, whereas high-level data may need only an extra layer of protection such as encryption on the wire or at rest. It’s recommended that you use a range of different classifications from 0 (no restrictions) all the way up to PII (personally identifiable information); any organization with more than one hundred employees ought to start by implementing this measure first.
- Password protection: This protects against unauthorized access primarily through theft or misplacement of devices by providing password-protected authentication before gaining entry to sensitive systems/data. Two-factor authentications can be used to add a higher level of protection by requiring not only the correct password but also something that’s unique about you.
In addition, organizations need to ensure they are compliant with data breach laws which could require them to notify customers upon detection of system or customer records access breaches and/or transmission flaws such as phishing scams. Try implementing an incident response plan in advance; this will help prevent any damage from arising out of a cyber-attack when it does occur.
Cloud security is a serious topic, and it’s one that needs to be understood by any business owner or individual who uses the internet. The purpose of cloud security is to protect data from unauthorized access or leakage, and with proper planning on your part, you can make sure that your data is safe. In order to get the best cloud security, you need to be mindful of what type of data is important and how much risk it poses if compromised.
