How to Protect Your Business Using Cloud Storage

Cloud data storage reduces the cost of purchasing, operating, and managing in-house data storage. Despite this ease, the absence of access to cloud-based data will remain a prevalent issue for enterprises, although cloud storage security is usually better than on-premises security.

Reliable and secure cloud storage management is important for every data-driven business, particularly those in sensitive areas such as healthcare, finance, education, transportation, and industries.

This article will discuss cloud storage and its security for business work. We’ll also discuss the types of cloud storage and tips on improving the cloud’s security. Keep on reading to find out more. 

What is cloud storage for business?

Protecting your company’s data may be time-consuming and costly to use on-premises storage.

Cloud storage is a cloud computing solution that allows a business to store data in the cloud rather than on-site. This solution offers a convenient option to store files on a third-party server and provides users with on-demand data access from any device.

Securing multiple server locations worldwide is a strength of businesses in this industry, particularly those that provide secure cloud storage for businesses. They are accountable for the preservation of their servers, the backup and security of important client data using cutting-edge encryption technology, and the assurance of regular access to that data.

A robust cloud storage solution provides reasonable data transfer speeds, stable cloud uptime, and good customer support, allowing customers to focus on their primary business operations.

Different Types of Cloud Storage

The following are some of the most common types of cloud storage services that are currently used today: 

Cloud drives

Cloud drives enable you to store data on cloud services, where it is secure and accessible from anywhere. Certain services enable you to store files, while others limit you to only a few options. A typical example of this form of cloud storage is Google Drive.

Big data storage

If your business collects a lot of data, you’ll need a cloud solution with a lot of storage capacity. These services usually contain a range of analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), or machine learning (ML) solutions that may help you process the data as required. AWS and Microsoft Azure are two of the most common providers of this service. 

Backup and restoration services

Several cloud storage services have been developed to prevent the loss of your data, particularly for this purpose. These enable you to save your local data on the cloud and immediately restore it if necessary.

File sharing services

File-sharing services allow you to upload various files to a cloud server so others can access them. You can generally create links to these files to make sharing simple. One of the typical examples of this service is Dropbox.

Understanding the different types of cloud storage solutions will help you to choose what’s best for your business and help you to benefit from it. 

Tips on how to improve security on the cloud for business

Make sure to secure your metadata

Humans’ negligence is the most common source of cloud security breaches, not the service’s design flaws. It is your task to secure your employees’ privacy, specifically those with access to confidential business data.

Business owners are unaware that their company’s data might become a security threat. Proof of data can be just as harmful as the data itself. Unfortunately, several businesses and cloud service providers disregard metadata security.

However, most cloud storage providers only store their metadata in a central location so that hackers can access all data in a single attack. That’s why it’s better to separate all your metadata in different storage as much as possible.

Use strong passwords on your accounts

A secure password must consist of eight multiple characters; generally, the longer the password, the finer. It must have uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals, and characters. Additionally, it would be best if you did not create a password containing your personal information since hackers may hack your accounts. 

Avoid using terms that can find in a dictionary as much as possible. To decrease the threat of a breach, use a password that is as difficult to guess as possible. 

Assure that your staff creates a strong username and password. If not, hackers may use your staff’s accounts to get access to your company’s cloud storage.

Another way recommended is to use multi-factor authentication (MFA). It is an extra step to help keep hackers from getting your login details. When they log in, they must verify their identity numerous times.

Use anti-malware software

Cloud storage uses the internet to transfer data. Malware and viruses exist in this scenario.

Having robust anti-malware software such as Avira Security Suite on a company’s devices can be a preventative precaution. These programs can help you avoid potentially harmful downloads and any hijacking.

In addition, it is important to keep backup copies of your data in case anything unexpected occurs. Do this by generating backups on any external hard disks.

Have a backup

It is important to have backups, even if your data is being stored on the cloud. In a scenario, the data will store locally and in one or more cloud services, the actual number of which would depend on the kind of data. You can engage with an expert in the cloud to determine the required amount of data redundancy and the frequency of data backups.

Always read the fine print

The terms and conditions you want to sign up for are a good starting point if you are unsure about which cloud storage service to use or if you have any queries about how another cloud service operates.

Even if you don’t like it, you must handle the massive number of words. Although this document is often overlooked, it may provide the information you’re searching for.

Encrypt your data

Encryption is one of the most effective methods for keeping your data secure. When using encryption, the process typically goes as follows:

• You have a document that you want to upload to the cloud.
• You use specific software to generate a password for that file.
• You upload the password-protected file to the cloud.
• After that, no one will ever be able to view the file’s contents unless they know the password.

Regularly update your operating system

Most computer users don’t consider regular updates to their operating system seriously. However, reducing your system’s susceptibility to malware and system outages is essential. These updates fix security flaws that have been found in your cloud.

If you decide to disregard them, you will have to deal with the consequences, which include a longer running duration. Therefore, the best way to improve your level of security is to update your operating system regularly.

Enable Account Alerts

Several cloud storage providers will notify you by email or text about an event in your business account. They should notify you when someone tries to access your business account.

Therefore, ensure that you turn on this feature. It will enable you to detect unusual behaviors in your account. 

Additionally, sign up for services that alert you when something happens in your account. Therefore, you will be notified when a new folder is created or deleted.

Final Thoughts

A cyber attack on your business does not have to be led by irresponsibility on the part of an employee or by poor data protection measures.

Whether you are considering moving to the cloud or currently have your data stored there, by following these tips, you will be assured that you and your staff are doing their best to ensure the safety of the business data stored in the cloud.