Ensuring Data Security in the Cloud

Published on November 9, 2022  |  Cyberfort Advisors
cloud data security

Cloud solutions are continuing to grow in popularity due to their obvious benefits which include easy scalability, flexible options for storage, operations, and organization, and ease of collaboration.

However, one of the most prevalent concerns is how to ensure data security in the cloud.

Data solutions evolve over time, and there are several practices and protocols you can employ and implement to increase cloud data security in your personal and professional technology use.

Cloud security is an important component of a healthy security program, especially for compliance, business continuity, and brand trust reasons.

Let’s go through some of our top recommendations.

Top Concerns

There are three top concerns right now when it comes to ensuring data security in the cloud:

  • Credential management
  • Accidental exposure and disclosure
  • Data exfiltration

The data storage and usage options within different cloud providers are diverse.

Insist on MFA

Multifactor authentication is a must for every business or personal account. Leaving access details in places that can be discovered or hacked by others is one of the main causes of data loss, in cloud systems and elsewhere.

Permissions and security protocols should be practiced consistently and by all levels of personnel, from owners to part-time, entry-level, and seasonal employees.

Don’t Forget CSPM

Cloud security posture management (CSPM) is something that you (or your cybersecurity contractor, department, or independent service provider) must address. In most cases with cloud software and other SaaS solutions, cloud data security that “comes with” the service or software isn’t going to be good enough not to augment.

As an example, think about when you get into your car. It’s been tested for safety, it has several features and components that are designed and created to keep you safe. But you should still wear your seatbelt, sit in the seat correctly (no feet on the dash) and be aware of your surroundings to ensure your next ride ends safely.

The same is true for cloud data security. Your data loss expenses are not just monetary – you can lose customers, and market share as well as damage the trust and reputation of your brand with just one cloud data breach.

That’s why we recommend installing or employing a method of CSPM to help identify and mitigate risks across your cloud solutions. This can allow you or your IT professionals to automate and monitor security and compliance protocols in the cloud infrastructure.

Regular Cloud Testing

Another way to keep a finger on the pulse of your cloud data security. Regular testing can help you ensure that any new updates, patches, or system features are working properly. It can also help you identify vulnerabilities before they become breaches or data loss events.

One way you can do this is to reach out to a trusted IT professional or business that performs “ethical hacking.” This is the tornado drill or fire drill of your cloud data security program. With an ethical hack, you will have someone actively trying to “break into” your cloud data system in order to scout for vulnerabilities.

There are other systems tests and checks that should be performed as well, like misconfiguration testing, storage testing, and more. Often, an ethical hacker can also show you where you may have hidden vulnerabilities or other access inconsistencies.

Encryption

Encryption is one of the most effective ways to keep your data secure in the cloud (and elsewhere). Encryption involves the scrambling of your original data that turns it into a type of uncrackable code, rather than just a straight data set that can be stolen and leveraged for ransom or other unsavory purposes.

In order to unscramble the data, you need a decryption key, which means that only the intended audience can have access to that data, even if it’s in a cloud system.

Content and Access Control

Many cloud-based systems are implemented to facilitate collaborative or team-centered work. No one operates in a vacuum, and that means someone will have to give access to the relevant teams or team members. But often, this access management can get forgotten after the initial stages.

For example, let’s say you and 5 other team members are working on your business’s next marketing program and you’re using Google Docs to do it. There are several ways to grant and restrict access to these shared documents.

The same is true with any of your cloud data. Some individuals will need full access to edit, create, adjust, or even delete documents and data. Others will simply need viewing access. The problem here is that the access needs can change drastically over the course of the process, but the access details may not.

Your team’s individual roles in your marketing program project may change several times, so granting access to the cloud data is only the first step in an ongoing access management process.

Many cloud-based services also have built-in content control options as well – you can control what information inside a data set or document can be viewed by which individuals.

It’s much easier to grant all-encompassing access to certain data, we know, but it’s not in the best interest of your business nor is it the best in a good cloud data security management program.

Increase Cloud Data Security with CyberFort’s SOC Services

Every compromised datum or record costs your business an average of more than $150. And since you likely aren’t in business to throw money away, it could be time to check out some enhanced IT protection without worrying about hiring more staff during the current labor shortage.

CyberFort Advisors has a great set of SOC (security operations center) services that give you all the protection of an in-house IT department without the hefty cost to hire, train, and maintain that staff.

With our SOC services, you receive threat and vulnerability assessment, risk assessment, log management, intrusion detection, and firewall management services, without the stress and price tag that comes with an in-house team. We are available for you when you need it, and as experts in the field of IT and security, you can also come to us with questions about your systems and other security concerns.