Cloud computing is the future of data management. But don’t overlook the threat of cybersecurity to digital files. Data breaches and corporate hacks are very real in this day and age, and for those companies not invested in keeping their digital data protected, it can be a very real risk. Here’s an overview of the potential cloud risks and how you can address them.
New Vulnerabilities to Accompany New Technology
For those companies who have been slow to adopt cloud storage, there is a very real risk of vulnerability as tech companies move away from traditional security programs. As old technology becomes more outdated, it becomes more vulnerable as security updates do not happen as frequently or with as much focus. While it may be a significant change to move your data to the cloud, you can be sure that by doing so you will be making it more secure rather than less so, given that you accompany the new technology with the appropriate security updates that work hard to protect your data.
Best Practices for Cloud Computing
New cloud-based technologies provide the convenience and accessibility of on-site archives without the costly investment in the space required to house a filing system or even an on-site server. As cloud technologies become more popular among businesses, cybercriminals inevitably see the stored data as an accessible target assuming that the companies in question fail to take appropriate action to protect that information. Many companies inevitably fall into that trap, but the ones that take the time to invest in the upgraded security to match their cloud technology find themselves in an even more secure data storage situation than they might have experienced with on-site services.
Reassuringly, the same best practices that can protect businesses in the cloud are familiar to even those not used to the latest cloud-based technologies. Since the technology is based online, those same actions that protect users online can protect businesses in the cloud.
- Use Strong Passwords – Poor password strategy has been the cause of nearly every large-scale data breach in the past few years. Make sure that you and your employees are using the type of passwords that are easy to remember, but difficult for hackers or computers to guess.
- Control Access to Confidential Information – Knowing who has access to what information when stored in the cloud can help quickly identify high-risk internal security breaches. Make sure that the confidential information can only be retrieved by those employees who absolutely need access.
- Partner with an Experienced Cloud Storage Provider – If you choose to partner with a cloud storage company why does not fully understand the security concerns and risks involved in storing data in the cloud, chances are they won’t be doing you any favors when it comes to protecting your information. Make sure you trust who you are choosing to work with.
The bottom line is that for those businesses wondering whether their data is safe in the cloud, their information is only as safe as they make it. Any document stored is at risk, from natural forces or in person theft in hard copy format, or from the digital equivalents in the cloud. The most important thing is to plan ahead, and make sure you take the necessary steps to protect what’s most important.
For more advice on how to store your information conveniently and securely in the cloud, connect with the team at Happy Faces Records Management.
