It is likely that you already use cloud storage solutions to store and access data online instead of a computer’s hard drive. Transporting data to the cloud is efficient as it increases productivity.
But nothing is perfect; every other technology has its perks and disadvantages. The main concern here is the lack of control and ownership. As a result, it is bringing a couple of security concerns for the businesses.
Here are some statistics that show the risk involved in cloud environments:
According to Skybox Security, vulnerabilities in cloud containers have increased by 46% in the first half of 2019, when compared to the first half of 2018 data.
Over 7,000 vulnerabilities have been discovered in the first half of 2019.
Another report by Nominet found that 52% of hybrid cloud users suffered the most number of data breaches in the past 12 months. 19% of single cloud respondents said they suffered 11-30 breaches.
“Cloud technology and adoption has obviously skyrocketed, so it’s no surprise that vulnerabilities within cloud technology will increase,” said Skybox Director of Threat Intelligence Marina Kidron.
Cloud Concerns
The cloud is full of sensitive information and the amount of critical data is said to only grow in the coming years. With rising cloud adoption rates and high-value data being transferred to the cloud, the cases of cyber attacks to gain data access have grown too.
We are already witnessing various cases of data theft in the cloud, related to health, election, marketing, personal details and more – especially in ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam that have faced major suspicious web activities in recent years, up to 3.5 times when compared to the standard ratio.
So, implementing a wide variety of cloud-based security remediations to protect this data is paramount.
It is important to evaluate the access and control you have on the cloud to execute security measures, as the responsibility to make the cloud secure not only rests on your shoulders but also on your cloud service provider (CSP). Cloud security implementation is a combined work of both – you and the CSP.So, before you start, don’t forget to discuss details with your cloud provider to gain an accurate view of how vulnerable you are to cyber attacks.
Here are a couple of things you can do to keep your cloud data as secure as possible:
Review Your Cloud Vendor’s Security
Developing a risk assessment process before you start with a service provider is vital to ensuring your business data remains secure.
The security risks associated with using a Cloud Service Provider (CSP) are varied, depending upon the type of cloud computing service you use. Identify the risks and take a proactive approach to minimize it before you proceed. Besides this, discuss and make sure your CSP is confident and guarantees the security of your company information.
Regularly Update Your Cloud Account Passwords
For attackers, obtaining email addresses and passwords are found to be the most valuable for use in future attacks. In a 2019 report, in terms of the type of data exposed, about 70% were of email addresses and 64% were of passwords. Despite knowing that it can be easily be changed, it remains the number one priority.
So, the bottom line is, you need to use a strong password to minimize the chances of an unknown attacker accessing your organizational data. Besides this, you need to regularly update and create unique, complex passwords that are difficult to crack.
That’s just not it; you can choose a safer approach by using a two-step verification method to log in if your service provider offers.
You may try using Microsoft and Amazon cloud services. They have their credential management tools that check and authenticate the identity of the cloud users keeping intruders out of the way.
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Encrypting your data before uploading it to the cloud
When you upload critical files and data to the cloud, you need privacy and security, which comes in the form of encryption. And, when you encrypt your data even before you send it to the cloud, you do the main work needed in your cloud security efforts.
Pick compatible encryption solutions for your files to get a little extra protection.
Use Advanced Firewalls
Protect your cloud network perimeter by using firewall solutions. These firewalls provide comprehensive protection that prevents malicious activity from reaching your cloud environment.
You or your CSP must define and implement proper firewall policies depending on your cloud environment.
Strengthen Your Cloud Backup Plan
While various cloud backup solutions already exist, it is still important that you implement the strongest solution against security breaches, especially when you are responsible for more valuable information like medical records.
A good cloud backup will offer maximum protection to your data that will help your business stay ahead of the crisis.
To make sure that your cloud data is fully protected, look for specific software for online backup like Acronis Cloud Backup.
This will help you to back up your entire data of your internal network, while also letting you monitor where your data is being stored, how it is used and protect it through extremely strict data center policies.
What are your thoughts about protecting your data on the cloud? We would love to hear your insights in the comments section.
