cloud security

Is Your Enterprise Adequately Protected When Using the Cloud?

It’s easy to believe that you’re completely safe when your business stores its data in the cloud. There is a good reason for this. Cloud services are generally a lot safer than other means of storing your data, like in-house servers or keeping physical copies in your office or home.

 

However, that doesn’t mean your data is beyond the reach of cyber thieves, so it is vital you comprehend the dangers of storing your data online and have relevant measures in place to protect yourself and your business.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

 

This is how cloud services leave you at risk

While risks are relatively minimal when you use cloud-based services, there’s still a lot that can go wrong. Recognizing these threats and weaknesses will go a long way towards preventing them from growing into a crisis for your enterprise.

 

  • Your passwords are a weak link: A major risk of using cloud services originates far closer to home. If your employees are on your cloud platform, they can lose your data either accidentally or (in some cases) deliberately thanks to weak passwords or leaking data. Ensure you minimize individual access and provide adequate security training.

 

  • If you only use one cloud service you could lose data: If you don’t back up your data, you risk losing it. Although cloud services are usually fool-proof, glitches are not unheard of. If the system goes down you could lose your data forever. Ensure you back up your data on a separate service.

 

  • Being unprotected: Just because the cloud works hard to protect your data, you should actively seek to cover yourself, for example with a Cloud Native Application Protection Platform. What is a Cloud Native Application Protection Platform? It helps you to get the most out of your cloud experience, without compromising your online safety.

 

This is why cloud services are safe

What you need to remember is just how safe cloud services are compared to the alternatives. There’s a reason why businesses are flocking to the cloud, so you shouldn’t be scared off or pressured into making irrational decisions regarding your cloud usage.

 

While the above threats can and have happened, as long as you take proper precautions there is nothing stopping you from maximizing your cloud experience and the benefits it can offer your business.

 

  • Frequent Updates: The cloud (regardless of service) is being constantly and automatically updated with glitch fixes and security safeguards. Any tiny chinks in the armor are usually ironed out very quickly. Cloud services are also making use of AI and encryption technology to ensure your data is protected.

 

  • You are less at risk of losing data: Honestly, think of it this way. You could either store all your money under your bed, or you could store it in a bank account. Yes, there’s always a chance the bank will lose your money or a bank robber will come running, but it’s highly unlikely. In all probability, you are less likely to lose your data on a protected cloud than on a personal device that can break, be lost or stolen.