How secure is the cloud?

The cloud is an on-demand digital storage resource that allows you to share information and data over the internet. Rather than having to save files locally, cloud computing enables practical database access remotely, which enhances business performance and productivity. But is the cloud secure?

In this article, we’ve explored the most common security risks of cloud computing. Plus, the impact of sharing data over the internet, how you can prevent cyber-attacks, and the simple steps you can take to improve overall cloud safety.

Cloud computing security issues

The cloud is a useful tool for data storage and sharing, but it can come with some security worries; especially if you’ve never used it before. So, we’ve outlined the three most common security risks of cloud computing:

Data privacy

One of the biggest concerns among cloud users is privacy of personal information. Before using the cloud, make sure you’ve read your provider’s policy on sharing information with third parties and what they can do with your data.

Limited control

The cloud makes it easier to share and communicate important or sensitive data within your business, but you often lose a lot of control over how it’s stored compared to saving locally.

Malware

Storing large amounts of sensitive information in one location, such as a cloud computing system, can open your organisation up to a malware attack. And this can result in the loss of important data. Although, if you remain aware of the constantly evolving danger posed by cyber-criminals, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of the cloud safely and securely.

Secure cloud computing controls

With a handful of common cloud computing security issues to be aware of, you must implement measures that combat cybercrime. There are three types of control, with each protecting your data at different stages of infiltration: preventative measures, deterrent measures, and responsive measures. But what does each entail?

Preventative measures

The most effective way to protect your cloud-based system is to put preventative measures in place that make it tougher for cybercriminals to access your information. A common example is a two-factor authentication.

Deterrent measures

While preventative measures should be your first step when it comes to combatting cloud computing security issues, your next port of call should be deterrent messaging. Because this minimises the chance of a hacker following through with an attack, by sending warning notices outlining the legal consequences of cybercrime.

Responsive measures

If your cloud-based system has been compromised, you’ll need to initiate damage control measures to reduce the impact. It’s important that your cloud computing security system detects and notifies you of any intrusion, and identifies areas under immediate threat. With this information, you can isolate the compromised system and safeguard your wider cloud data.

Steps you can take to ensure secure cloud computing

As well as implementing effective cloud controls, there are various additional actions you can take to improve the safety of your sensitive information. To help, we’ve outlined a five-point security checklist for cloud computing:

1. Encrypt your data

One way to keep your data safe from hackers is to ensure that it’s encrypted and unreadable without the appropriate access permissions. This way, even if a cybercriminal infiltrates your system, they won’t be able to use your sensitive information.

While many cloud software systems will encrypt your data automatically during storage, it’s always worth confirming with your provider.

2. Back up your data

Implementing effective security measures will greatly reduce the likelihood of a hacker infiltrating your cloud system, but controls are never 100% effective. Cyber-attacks can still occur and put your important or sensitive information at risk. So, it’s important to regularly back up your data in a secure location – ideally one that is inaccessible over the internet, such as a business server.

3. Verify your provider

Each cloud storage provider has an obligation to guarantee that sensitive information is secure and safe from cyber-attacks. However, it’s up to you to make an informed decision based on your own research. When you compare cloud storage providers, audit risk-management and security processes to choose the system that’s best-suited to handle your personal or business data.

4. Limit shared access

One of the main benefits of the cloud is that it’s straightforward to share and access data remotely, which can streamline business actions and improve communication. But this is also where you can run into trouble.

You can improve cloud computing security by limiting shared access to resources, or making it compulsory to request access from an administrator. This includes managing all connected devices within your organisation. More importantly, you should try to avoid logging into the cloud from a shared or public device.

5. Regularly monitor internal strategies

Perhaps the most important step in improving cloud computing security is to regularly monitor your safety systems and digital deterrents. The cloud is constantly evolving, which means your security measures can become less effective over time, especially as you expand your network of shared devices.

That’s why it’s essential to frequently monitor for weakened access points that hackers could exploit, as this allows you to stay ahead of any threats.

Discover more

Cloud computing offers many advantages, not least the ability to communicate shared business and personal data remotely. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks and act on any security concerns.

And for even more helpful guidance and advice on everything internet-related, check out the latest from us over on our blog.