You may have read our previous blog Everything You Need to Know About Cloud Computing where we shared the basics of what cloud computing is and why businesses benefit from this practice. Now we’re sharing the best security practices to ensure your business is using the cloud safely!
A 2018 report released by McAfee Labs provided insight on trending cloud-related threats to businesses. Hackers are constantly improving and advancing their tactics to take advantage of companies shifting data to the cloud. Meanwhile, cloud service providers are increasingly focused on security and defense against cybercrime.
“The cloud can be a very good solution and can be as secure as any other network, but we need to be more diligent than ever.”
6 Cloud Computing Safety Tips:
- Poor password security can give cyber criminals an all access pass to private data.
- To keep your password safe, avoid using the same password over multiple platforms; add letters, numbers and symbols to your password, and do not utilize a password that is in any way related to your personal life.
2. Use a Reliable Cloud Provider
- Do your research! In this day and age, we don’t have to settle for just any cloud provider. If the company you are working with has a history of data loss and security breaches, then it’s time to move on to a new provider.
- A fan favorite Cloud Storage device: Google Drive
- Cloud storage is much more reliable when used in tandem with another storage system, such as Google Drive. Google Drive can be used as a “sharing” and “storage” device ensuring that if your data is lost, you can easily locate them using other devices.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication
- “When provided with the option, always use two-factor authentication. This means anyone who signs into your account will need information in addition to your password. Common methods of authentication include answering a secret question, providing a personal PIN number or inputting a code that the cloud provider emails or texts to you.”
4. Don’t Store Sensitive Information
- Yes, we want to believe that cloud storing is 100% safe, but attacks do happen even when all safety precautions are taken.
- Avoid storing information such as your social security number, copies of your IDs, financial statements, personal pictures and other information you would not want to go public. Instead, store this information on an external drive and keep the device secured and in your possession.
5. Install Updates to Your Operating System
- “It may be tempting to ignore the notifications alerting you to updates for your operating system, but these updates are often vital for ensuring the protection of your computer and information. They often are to fix bugs found in the system that leave you at risk. By ignoring them due to their sometimes inconvenient timing, you set yourself up for even larger inconveniences. Ensure you install all updates as soon as possible.”
- Public Wifi is available just about everywhere, from the local coffee shop, the library and the airport. Hackers can use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to distribute malware. If you allow file-sharing across a network, the hacker can easily plant infected software on your computer. Access to your computer or cell phone can grant them access to your personal information and yes, even your information stored on the cloud.
- For tips on how to safeguard yourself on public wifi, read our blog: “Warning: Public WiFi Hacks Are Dangerous”
