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Basic Principles of Cloud Data Storage Security

Since daily business activities revolve around using, storing, retrieving, and exchanging data, companies are always eager to adopt the best tool that will help them manage these processes better.

Local storage devices, such as floppy disks and external hard disk drives, used to be the most popular means of data backup. But flexibility in accessing stored files is becoming increasingly important. Which is one of the reasons why cloud storage is all the rage today – You can retrieve your files anytime, anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

However, the issue of data security in the cloud is a source of great concern for individuals and businesses alike. Many fear that they may be risking a security breach. Not to mention accidents and natural disasters that can destroy the servers on which our data is stored. Which leads us to the question, ‘Is cloud storage safe?’

How Do Cloud Service Providers Protect Data in the Cloud?

There are GDPR/DPA regulations for data privacy and security that cloud service providers have to abide by. It now falls to you to ensure that your supplier can be trusted to observe these regulations. Also, since the safety of users’ data is a top priority, cloud-based platforms apply a wide range of security measures to ensure that your data is in good hands:

  1. Multiple Data Centers

Trusted cloud service providers have numerous data centers situated hundreds of kilometers apart. These help to keep backup copies of your files for maximum security. You can, therefore, rest assured that your files can be easily restored in the unlikely event of server failure, accidents, or natural disasters.

  1. Data encryption

Providers utilize complex encryption algorithms to protect your data in the cloud. Anyone without a private digital key would be denied access. It would require the use of specialized tools, years of technological advancements, and the use of quantum computers for a cybercriminal to break into your files.

  1. Log files

Cloud storage services keep accurate log files that are used to analyze network traffic. These help in detecting and eliminating suspicious situations that threaten the security of your data. Providers can also set limits to prevent an unauthorized person from having full access to your files if such a person somehow succeeds in logging in to your account.

  1. Firewalls

With firewalls, cloud-based services keep tabs on who the sender and recipient of a packet are and what the packet contains. They also verify the integrity of the individual packets and scan the content for threats.

  1. Physical protections

Cloud storage security goes beyond the technical. Other protective measures exist in the server rooms and include security guards, access levels, retinal scans, and complex security systems.

Of course, you may say that even with all the extensive security protocols that service providers implement, data theft can still occur. However, the fact remains that cloud data storage security goes both ways. Data owners also have crucial roles to play. Your connected devices, poorly trained staff, and unhappy employees may pose data security threats.

How to Protect Cloud Data as a User

It’s been shown that security breaches are often caused by users, rather than the cloud storage service. Cybercriminals find it easy to guess passwords and obtain the answers to security questions when users fail to observe proper safety procedures.

That being said, what can you do as a user to protect your data in the cloud? Keep reading to find out.

How to Protect Data in the Cloud

  1. Use Strong Passwords

The need to create a strong password cannot be overemphasized. You make your account easy to break into when you use a weak password that is easy to guess. It is also important that you keep your password secret. Do not share it or save it where anyone can see. You can further protect your account by changing your passwords frequently.

  1. Encrypt Files Before Upload

Although cloud service platforms encrypt your data in their servers, it is also a good idea to perform your own encryption before sending your data to the cloud.

  1. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication

This is another way of strengthening data security. Have the system request answers to certain questions, send an access code to your mobile number, and so on before granting access to a user.

  1. Educate Your Employees About Phishing

There’s yet to be a cyber-attack that is as common as phishing. Cybercriminals assume the identity of someone you know or trust, enabling them to trick you into giving up your account credentials.

Phishing, rather than the failure of security systems, is the leading cause of data breaches. Therefore, make sure your employees fully understand what phishing is all about so that you do not fall victim.

  1. Control Your Shared Content

If you are using cloud storage platforms for data sharing, make sure you have control measures in place. You can do this by setting up password-protected links, implementing folder permissions or expiry dates, and more.

  1. Employ Physical Safeguards

Computers, mobile phones, and other devices that are connected to the cloud should not be left accessible to every Dick and Harry. Put physical safeguards in place to prevent unwarranted users from accessing stored data.

  1. Implement Data Integrity Safeguards

Since permitted users will be able to gain access to data stored in the cloud across various devices and systems, implementing data integrity safeguards can help protect against unauthorized modification, fabrication and deletion of data. Provide users with different levels of access appropriate to their roles. Make sure to enforce user identity authentication.

Cloud services provide many great benefits, such as facilitating file access and sharing, providing unlimited storage capacity, freeing up your local hardware, backing things up in case of server failure, and more.

It is worth mentioning that storing your data in the cloud is safe, as long as you observe the measures discussed above. Always remember that user awareness is of prime importance. Your security lies in your hands.