The pandemic has shifted a lot of businesses online. With the evolution comes a new way of storing data, as traditional paper records cease to exist. Small and large companies are now using the cloud to store their information for easy access and sharing. Cloud storage refers to storing data in “the cloud,” which is a network of remote servers connected via the Internet, from which it can be managed, backed up, and viewed remotely. This means that the data saved in the cloud can be accessed from any device at any time. But with the cloud come new security concerns, as hackers have learned to exploit online data storage systems.
Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities in online systems, taking every opportunity to gain access to sensitive data. And with industries like healthcare, education, automotive, and finance storing their data in the cloud, cybercriminals have plenty of targets. They prey on these sectors to use the data they collect to commit fraud, damage reputations and bring down an organization. Therefore, it is very essential to take steps to protect corporate data in the cloud.
In this article, we’ll outline some of the most important steps that businesses need to take to properly safeguard their sensitive data in the cloud.
Set Up Difficult-To-Guess Passwords
Most businesses fail to create strong passwords because they are difficult to remember. But that’s the wrong approach when it comes to cybersecurity. Strong passwords should be easy for humans to remember but hard for computers to crack. Hackers use dedicated software to hack into accounts that run a code with users’ fundamental information, easily accessible through their email addresses or the account itself. For example, many people use their name and date of birth for both their email ID and password. A good way to get around this is by using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, make sure that the password is at least 8 characters long and unique. It doesn’t end here. Security breaches can also be caused internally by unscrupulous employees. So, it is very important to keep track of who has access to what and when.
Set Up a Zero-Trust Network Access
Another way for businesses to protect their data online is to set up a zero-trust network. This means that only approved users have access to certain areas of the website or system. This can prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing confidential information and stealing data. It is also critical to train employees on how to use the zero-trust network and what restrictions apply to which files and data.
Back Up Sensitive Data
It’s not easy to predict when a cyberattack will occur, but it’s always good to have a backup plan. This can be done using regular software or even a dedicated backup system. Even if data is compromised, companies should have a copy of it to recover their business and keep operations running smoothly. In most cases, cybercriminals use ransomware to extort businesses to pay a ransom to regain access to their data. For this reason, it’s key to have an emergency backup, as the amount of free data can be very large.
Secure Employee and Business Systems
Cybercriminals work hard to find and exploit weak security systems, especially those that are not properly configured. Employees need to be familiar with the company’s online security policies and understand how their devices can be used in the context of work. Furthermore, all company systems must be regularly updated with the latest cybersecurity measures. This will help prevent data breaches from occurring in the first place. Installing firewalls and antivirus software can also help to protect businesses from malicious attacks.
Avoid Clicking on Malicious Links
One of the most common ways data is stolen and hackers gain access to the cloud is through malicious links. Employees need to be trained to be suspicious of emails that ask for personal information. Instead of clicking on links in emails, workers should always visit the website directly. It is also important to watch out for malicious ads and attachments that seem too good to be true. Cybercriminals first gain trust by providing legitimate-looking content, only to steal the data once access is granted.
Conduct Tests and Simulations
To protect organizations from cyberattacks, it is necessary to conduct tests regularly. This will help to identify any vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit. Furthermore, testing will also aid in ensuring that the data is not vulnerable to ransomware, phishing, and other cyberattacks. To protect cloud systems, it’s important to think like a hacker. Simulations should also be conducted to better understand how systems will respond to various types of cyber threats.
Data Encryption
Storing data in an unencrypted format is one of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to it. When sensitive data needs to be kept confidential within an organization, it is necessary to encrypt it using an appropriate security protocol. Cybercriminals can still access encrypted data if they have acquired the credentials, but this process usually takes longer and is more difficult. There are several encryption tools available that can be customized to meet the specific needs of businesses.
Hire A Professional Cybersecurity Company
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. It’s not easy to manage both day-to-day operations and cybersecurity threats. Nowadays, many businesses are looking for professional help to manage their risks and protect their data. A professional cybersecurity company can help in managing these tasks more effectively—they have the expertise to detect and prevent cyberattacks before they occur. A reputable company will usually charge a fee for its services, but it’s generally worth it in terms of both security and peace of mind. The advantage is that it saves a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on recovery or lengthy legal proceedings.
Conclusion
Organizations should take several precautions to secure their sensitive data in the cloud. Whether it’s a large corporation or the newest start-up, the loss or leakage of critical and confidential information can have serious consequences for a company’s reputation. By following these precautions, companies can protect their data from cyberattacks and make sure that employees are doing their part to keep corporate data secure in the cloud.
