Security Considerations When Storing Data in the Cloud

Cloud computing technology did not take long to become the basic pillar of global business. In just five years, cloud computing has developed into a necessity for growth in the digital age. Whether it is reshaping IT functions, promoting new services, providing greater network flexibility or promoting innovation, it is clear that this technology is supporting future business services.

Although cloud computing undoubtedly brings some important benefits, it also brings new risks in the form of network security threats, and its impact may have an adverse impact on the development of enterprise business. For example, a recent report from the Polomon Institute showed that the average total cost of data breaches ranges from $2.2 million for events with less than 10,000 leaked records to $6.9 million for events with more than 50,000 leaked records. Financial impact is obviously a major concern of companies for safety, but it is only one of the risk factors considered. Companies will also face irreparable loss of reputation and erosion of customer trust.

With the increasing number of data breaches, the industry has also introduced a series of new regulations, such as GDPR regulations and the Cloud Computing Act, which are implemented to protect businesses and consumers. Therefore, having the right security posture has never been more important. But where do you start? What should companies consider to ensure the cybersecurity of their data stored in the cloud?

When starting to use, there are some key things to note when working with customers during deployment:

1. Data classification-create clear rules and strategies for data

First, companies must classify their data assets according to the privacy and security policies of the business, the compliance regulations of the country/region where they are located, and other regulations and laws (such as GDPR). An effective data classification process is very important because it can help determine the level of control required in the network and maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the data.

By following this classification and inputting when designing an ISMS (Information Security Management System), companies can ensure that they have security technologies that meet regulatory compliance controls, including end-to-end encryption and defense against cyber threats.

2. Use the Least Privilege Model

Knowing and restricting who has access to the company’s data is essential for reducing risk and minimizing the impact of human error. By introducing a permission model and strictly controlling asset access permissions, companies can maintain control over the network and protect their business from increasingly common threats. To do this, simply enforce a policy that always grants minimum access, depending on the level of permissions required by the user. Enterprises need to follow the identity access management (IAM) practice of cloud computing providers, and consciously require the flexibility and strict security policies to meet the needs of the enterprise.

3. Use available tools to monitor and track visits and usage

Use cloud computing provider tools to record, continuously monitor visits and understand platform activities and usage. Ensure that the company has tools to monitor historical logins and save these records for review. By doing so, companies can identify changes in behavior before internal threats and serious violations occur.

There are many tools that can help companies define and track metrics, and these tools should also be able to alert companies when someone accesses or changes data assets stored in the cloud. If these tools can discover sensitive data in data assets, they need to be used.


4. Apply rules for protecting content

Work with enterprise cloud computing vendors and teams for version control and encryption to protect their content.

Protect enterprise data in the cloud

There is no doubt that the future business needs the support of cloud computing technology, because it will provide opportunities for enterprise innovation. however. Enterprises need to consider carefully when protecting data stored in the cloud, and collaborate with the right partners to adopt the most suitable solutions for their business. Fundamentally, companies must consider business needs and understanding, as well as the classification of data flowing through the corporate network, and announce the benefits of cloud computing to employees and conduct education on cloud security challenges.

By implementing security, following these simple steps, and having partners who are suitable for cloud computing that scale the same as their business, companies can respond to and mitigate the most common security threats.