The use of the cloud is almost universal, with 96 percent of organizations having adopted it. The bulk of these organizations use more than one cloud.
The benefits of cloud computing can’t be oversold, which is why we’ve seen such rapid adoption of this technology. That said, the cloud isn’t without its risks. Many business owners are now asking, “Is the cloud safe?”
If the security of your cloud has been on your mind, this guide is for you. In it, we’ll take you through some simple steps designed to improve your cloud storage security.
Determine What Security Your Service Provider Offers
If you’re asking, “How safe is the cloud?”, the first place you should look is to your service provider. Each provider handles their own security.
Most providers will offer password-protected accounts and encryption on their network. The best service providers go beyond these tools and offer you more security.
If you haven’t yet signed up with a cloud service provider, be sure to ask questions before you sign a contract. If you’re already working with a partner, ask them to review their security features.
Ask about Compliance and Security Standards
Since so many people ask, “How secure is the cloud?”, you can bet there are organizations out there making it more secure.
Some of these organizations have created international standards for cloud service providers. You’ll want to ask what, if any, certifications your service provider has.
Some of these standards are more rigorous than others. If your service provider adheres to PCI DSS or SOC 2 Type II, you can rest assured you’re getting better security.
Fill in Cloud Storage Security Gaps with Your Own Policies
Once you’ve reviewed your service provider’s security measures, it’s time to look to your own procedures. Even if your service provider offers best-in-class security, there are still risks. Some of those risks exist at your end of the cloud transaction.
That’s why it’s important for business owners to put in place extra security steps. You may not be able to control your provider’s encryption key, but you can encrypt your own files.
You can also add protection to the devices you use to access the cloud. This is especially important if you have a bring-your-own-device policy for employees. Without proper policies, employees may access your cloud on unsecured devices.
Adding a simple firewall solution is one way to improve cloud data security from your own end.
Educate Your Employees for Better Cloud Storage Security
Cloud security is a team effort, so get the rest of your team on board. You can use guidelines created by not-for-profit organizations to develop your own policies. Be sure to explain these to employees.
Your people are your first line of defense when it comes to cloud storage security. If they don’t know why you use a firewall or why you encrypt data, they may not follow these measures.
Get Better Cloud Protection Today
So, how secure is cloud storage? The answer is that the cloud can be as secure as you want to make it. By taking a few simple steps, you can improve your cloud storage security by leaps and bounds.
If you’re concerned you don’t have the right security measures in place, get in touch with us. We can help you create a more secure cloud environment for all your data.