Nowadays, the traditional method of storing data on hardware has become difficult and as a result, more and more people are storing their data on the cloud. The prediction done by Gartner in 2012 about the transition from offline PC to predominantly cloud-based work by 2014 has become a reality. The cloud ensures various benefits for data storage, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. However, is the data stored in the cloud secure? It is important to safeguard your valuable information on the cloud just like you secure your home or office.

In this blog, we will explore various tips to fortify your cloud data security which will serve as a guide for enterprises seeking to establish a secure cloud environment and mitigate potential security issues associated with cloud computing. 

Causes of Cloud Data Breach

Before exploring how to secure stored data on the cloud, it is important to understand the various ways in which data stored on the cloud can be breached. Here are listed some of the ways:

• Misconfigurations

With lots of flexibility, cloud storage also requires proper configuration to be secure. Mistakes in setup, such as using weak access control or leaving access keys exposed can create chances to get exploited by hackers. 

• Malware Attacks and Insider Threats

Just like computer systems, malicious software can also attack cloud systems, stealing your data and making it inaccessible to you. However, sometimes the security breach can come from within like employees with access privileges can steal your data and misuse your credentials.

• Human Error

Data breaches can also be done by accidental data leaks or mistakes in sharing permissions. For example, phishing attacks.

6 Steps To Secure Your Data On The Cloud

Outlined below are some important options, following these options you can secure your data on the cloud: 

• Setup Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds one more important step to the login process. The important step is that beyond asking for a password, MFA might require a code or fingerprint scan. This step will further reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

• Encryption

Using a cloud service that encrypts your files both on your local computer and in the cloud is the best way to mitigate your security breach. Encryption scrambles your data into an unreadable format, rendering it useless to anyone without the decryption key. By having two layers of encryption it protects your data both from service providers and administrators of the service.

• Building Strong Password 

Passwords are the gatekeepers of your data. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords and try to create complex passwords using upper and lower letters with symbols. You can use a password manager to create unique passwords for your accounts. More than 75 per cent of passwords are breakable due to weak passwords based on your birthday dates, names, closed ones etc. Also, don’t reuse passwords across different platforms. 

• Access Control: Granting Entry Wisely

It is crucial to introduce precise access management features within your cloud storage system. Not everyone needs to have access to your entire cloud data sheet. Allocate permissions deliberately, ensuring that the user is granted access solely to the data pertinent to their designated responsibilities. Keep adjusting and evaluating access control to avoid any unauthorized access that can breach your security. 

• Local Backups

Even when storing data in the cloud, it is crucial to have a backup as unforeseen circumstances can always arise. On a separate device, maintain a local backup of all your sensitive data. By having backups you reduce any downtime. This ensures you have a copy of your information readily available even in case of cloud service disruptions.

• Read The Fine Print Thoroughly 

When signing up for software on a personal basis, we generally breezed through the terms and conditions(T&C). We should not do this as it could be a big mistake to skip over the agreement when registering for a cloud service. This agreement contains crucial information about how your data is protected and whether you are giving consent for the service provider to use or sell your data. Also, keep track of whether the service provider makes changes and keep updating the privacy policies accordingly.

Conclusion

Overall, in today’s digital world data breaching is very common and can be done through various means. Hence, keeping track of your stored data becomes a necessity. We hope the steps given above will minimise the risk and ensure the security of the data stored on the cloud.