A cloud storage system enables users to save data in an external location where it is then managed, backed up and accessible through the use of a network.
What is the most secure cloud storage for business?
There are three main types of cloud storage:
Private cloud
Public cloud
Hybrid cloud
The type of cloud storage that is best suited to your needs really depends on your scalability, work arrangements, internal processes and the level of cloud data security that you are looking to achieve.
A public cloud offers multi-tenant storage which is hosted and maintained by a different solution provider, leaving you with limited control over your security. You can manage administrative controls and choose what users can see/do in specific areas. This is a much more affordable option compared to other cloud systems. Be aware that public networks come with their fair share of cloud data security issues and it is important to always have a secondary backup system where you can store copies of your data should your cloud system become compromised.
A private cloud is a storage system which is owned and purposed solely by the organisation’. You have better control over your cloud data storage security as the data is protected by the company’s own firewall. However, this type of storage cloud system requires regular maintenance and comes at a bigger cost.
The hybrid cloud system is a combination of both a private and public cloud storage system. It offers greater control over the security of your cloud storage system within the organisation’s own network. It is the perfect solution if you are looking to oversee and manage your data security at a more affordable rate.
How to secure data in the cloud
We are beginning to see more and more businesses move their IT infrastructure and data over to the cloud. Many cloud storage providers proudly highlight how efficient, agile and flexible these systems are to increase productivity and profitability within organisations. As with all technology, there are limitations and drawbacks that can be of concern to a business.
Keeping your data secure within the cloud storage system is a combined effort between the organisation and the cloud storage provider.
5 key ways to up your cyber security in the cloud
Encryption
Use a cloud storage provider that offers the ability to encrypt your files. Encryption protects your personal data and files from being damaged or stolen by encoding them and requesting the password to gain access.
Configure your own privacy settings
If you are using a private or a hybrid cloud storage system, make sure to configure your own privacy settings and heighten your cyber security. Ensure that you do not allow your data to be shared outside of the cloud with any unauthorised third parties to provide adequate security for the cloud.
Anti-malware protection
The cloud does everything over the internet, to avoid malware and viruses from infecting, stealing and damaging your data, ensuring that you are using a strong anti-malware and antivirus software. That way any suspicious links and attachments will be blocked.
Avoid using public networks
As much as you can take all the necessary precautions, you cannot guarantee the safety of your data whilst using a public connection. Where possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing private files and data on your device to avoid a cybercriminal from accessing this type of information without your knowledge or permission.
Multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication enforces users to provide additional evidence on top of their usual account details to verify their identity. That way if their login information was compromised, the hacker won’t be able to easily bypass the secondary verification process to help protect your data.
What is data security in cloud computing?
Cloud computing, in simple terms, is the distribution of computing services i.e. storage, software, server, network and databases on the internet. This essentially is the core of what a cloud storage system is.
With regards to what data storage security in cloud computing is, we need to take a closer look into a combination of technology solutions and procedures that conspire with one another to protect private data within the cloud. The most crucial aspect of data security in cloud computing relates to confidentiality, integrity and availability.
Confidentiality protects data being accessed by unauthorised individuals.
Integrity reinforces trust across the data by preventing unauthorised modifications to be made by non-permitted users.
Availability ensures that data is readily available as and when it is needed.
As part of data security in cloud computing, you must consider all possible stages of the cloud computing process to ensure that data stays securely protected. You need to carefully consider which cloud storage system you will adopt (private, public or hybrid), what categories you will use (SaaS, PaaS or IaaS) and how your data will be managed to prevent unauthorised access (SailPoint).
How is data security ensured in cloud computing services?
Data security is ensured in cloud computing services through the use of encryption. It is recommended to encrypt your data before it is even uploaded onto the cloud storage system. This adds an additional layer of data security to fully safeguard your data not only from unauthorised individuals but also from the cloud system providers themselves.
Alongside encryption, consider introducing user access levels and regular monitoring to ensure that each user abides by their privileges and only has access to data they have been given permission to view and access.
As you know, no system is 100% safe when using the internet. However, cloud storage systems aim to provide as close as it can get to this level of data security. To ensure that your data is kept as secure as possible, ensure that you have adopted all of the necessary precautions alongside your cloud computing to ensure that unauthorised users cannot steal or damage your data.
