An increasing number of businesses have shifted many of their full-time employees to remote work. This has led to more cloud-based services to share information, data, and documents.
While cloud-based services can create ease of communication and sharing, they may also open up both employees and the business as a whole to new cyber threats. Are you concerned with the security of your business as you shift to the cloud? Consider these critical steps to cloud security best practices.
Why Cloud Security Best Practices Are Crucial for Businesses
Skipping cloud security is extremely risky for your business. The biggest concern is a customer data leak, which can hurt your reputation and even lead to more severe consequences, such as a fine or a lawsuit.
Here’s what else is at stake if you don’t take security seriously:
- Data breaches – Hackers can steal customer info, employee records, or even your company’s internal data. Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back.
- Downtime and lost revenue – Cyberattacks can shut down your systems, meaning no work gets done and no money comes in.
- Legal trouble – There are laws about protecting customer data (like GDPR and HIPAA), and breaking them can cost you big time.
The good news is that cloud security is easily achievable with the right tools and steps. Small changes, such as requiring stronger passwords, using encryption, and limiting who can access what can make a huge difference in the long run.
Before we get into the tips, let’s look at some of the most common cloud security threats you may face.
Common Cloud Security Threats for Businesses
The internet isn’t exactly the safest place, and businesses using the cloud have a few common cybersecurity risks to watch for:
- Data breaches – This can be a result of weak passwords, exposed databases, and inadequate security settings.
- Insider threats – Not every risk comes from the outside. Employees can also expose sensitive data, whether by accident or on purpose.
- Phishing scams – These most often come in the form of fake emails pretending to be your bank, your IT team, or an employee. One wrong click, and they have your login info.
- Misconfigured cloud settings – If you don’t set up your data privacy and security properly, you might be leaving sensitive files open to the public without realizing it.
- DDoS attacks – This is when hackers flood your servers with so much traffic that your site or apps crash.
The best defense against these threats is to stay informed, train your team, and keep your security settings locked down. A little effort now can save you from a major headache later. Below, we’ll explain exactly how to achieve this with the best practices for cloud security.
Overview of the 8 Critical Practices
Here are 8 best practices to follow when updating your cloud security:
1. Evaluate the Data Stored in the Cloud
Learn what information is in the cloud, where it’s backed up, and what will happen if that data is compromised or lost. Secure backups in another location or choose a cloud provider with backup services to protect the integrity of your data. In addition, have a plan in place for dealing with a potential breach or loss of data.
2. Implement Encryption
Do not rely on your cloud provider alone to provide encryption for your data. In fact, even if your managed cybersecurity provider offers this vital service, consider encrypting your files on your own end to provide an additional layer of protection.
3. Use Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication relies on more than just a password to access vital data. Instead of simply connecting to the system, entering the password, and moving forward, users must prove that they have access to a specific device, usually a cell phone. Many cloud providers already utilize this vital tool to help protect their users. Some, however, still lag behind. If your cloud provider offers multifactor authentication, make sure that you’re taking advantage of it.
4. Use Local Backups for Sensitive Data
Not only can local backups help ensure that you still have access to your data if a system ends up compromised, but they can also protect you during periods of low connectivity or when you cannot access the internet. Not only that, but local backup can provide a vital safeguard if data is contaminated with ransomware. Many cloud services also offer backup services for your data; however, you should carefully consider which option represents the right choice for your business.
5. Add Antivirus Software
You need solid antivirus software running on your systems. While some viruses can slip through the cracks, your antivirus software serves as a vital first line of defense when protecting your data. Make sure that every system used to access the cloud, including systems used by remote workers, receives quality antivirus protection.
6. Train Employees on Safe Cloud Practices
Your employees are the most vital line of defense when it comes to keeping data, whether stored in the cloud or a local system, as safe as possible. Remote employees, in particular, need to receive digital literacy training that will allow them to help protect those systems. Train employees in security measures, including:
Password Security
Employees should use effective passwords in order to maintain the safety of their devices. This includes passwords that are long enough and contain a combination of special characters, letters, and numbers. Users should also know not to use dictionary words as passwords, to change their passwords regularly, and to avoid using the same password across multiple systems.
Avoiding Phishing Scams
Phishing scams allow hackers to access private information about your business and your clients. Sometimes, hackers convince employees to click on a link in an email. Other times, they may have the sophistication and the skill to convince employees to give them that information directly. In some cases, scammers may convince your employees to give out their passwords or to answer the questions they need to get access to the cloud.
Properly training employees, however, can help you avoid those scams. Simply knowing that they need to verify the identity of a caller or avoid clicking on a link in an email can help many employees avoid potential threats to their data.
7. Monitor Your Security Regularly
Many businesses must conduct annual security tests to ensure that they continue to meet industry compliance requirements. If your business makes major changes, you should consider the importance of additional security testing.
Moving to the cloud, shifting more employees to remote work, or transitioning to a new system should all prompt a new round of security testing. Penetration testers can give you a better idea of the full security of a new system and provide you with the tools you need to secure the cloud.
8. Evaluate Your Cloud Provider
These days, there are cloud providers everywhere. Some of them are much more legitimate than others. Before choosing a cloud provider, do your research. You want a reputable, secure provider who will assist you in protecting the data security of your employees and customers alike. If you’ve already made the shift to a cloud provider, consider what your existing provider offers and whether you may want to make the shift. Ask:
- What will the provider do in case of a breach? Will you be notified immediately? What steps will the provider take to minimize those security losses as much as possible?
- Who will be responsible for any data lost as a result of the breach? Will the cloud provider take liability, or will you be responsible for handling any losses to your customers?
- Does your cloud provider meet regulatory requirements? Make sure you have a solid understanding of your industry’s regulatory requirements: HIPAA for medical professionals, PCI for anyone who deals with payment compliance, and more, depending on your industry. Make sure your cloud provider meets those regulatory requirements and that you are not out of compliance through your use of that provider.
Benefits of Cloud Security Best Practices
Securing your cloud helps you avoid cyberattacks and makes running your business smoother and more reliable. Here’s what you gain when you take security seriously:
- Peace of mind – Knowing your data is protected means you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about hackers.
- Stronger customer trust – People want to know their data is safe. A secure system helps you build credibility and keep customers loyal.
- Protection from costly breaches – Recovering from a cyberattack can be ridiculously expensive, so preventing it saves you money and headaches.
- Compliance with regulations – Many industries have security requirements (like GDPR or HIPAA). Following best practices keeps you on the right side of the law.
- Business continuity – With strong security, your operations stay up and running even if someone tries to attack your system.
Secure Your Cloud Data with Frontline
Do you know how secure your data is as it’s stored in the cloud? Have you taken the necessary steps to secure and protect your business? At Frontline, we can help you implement cloud security best practices to ensure that your business is protected. Schedule an IT assessment today to learn more about your business’s security and the steps you can take to improve it.
FAQs
What are the key elements of a cloud security strategy?
Key elements of a cloud security strategy include data evaluation, encryption, multi-factor authentication, employee training, antivirus implementation, and regular monitoring.
What is the most effective security in cloud computing?
The most effective security in cloud computing is the Zero Trust model, which uses strict access controls to prvent the wrong users from accessing sensitive data.
What is the number one issue for security in the cloud?
The number one issue for security in the cloud is misconfiguration, whch includes improperly set permissions, unencrypted data, and exposed resources. These issues can all lead to breaches and data leaks.