Cloud-based storage provides a highly efficient platform for storage. However, like any other storage platform, it is not immune to cyber-attacks and security breaches. Protecting data stored in the cloud can be a bit challenging, especially for those who have never used the platform before. This post will look into some of the most effective ways to secure your data in the cloud.

 

Use Strong Passwords

There have been so many cases of data leaks from cloud-based platforms, with the recent one involving iCloud platforms. It is thus vital you protect your cloud-based system with a secure password. Most people use a combination of characters and symbols as their passwords, like G8rl96@friend. While these short and hard-to-comprehend passwords seem difficult for humans to crack, they are very simple for computers. Instead of using short passwords that combine letters and symbols, use long phrases and other weird things that neither humans nor computers can crack. Do not use a common phrase as your password, and make sure you test it before you use it.

 

Encrypt Your Data

You need to encrypt your data to secure your information in the cloud. Encryption allows you to encode every data you want to move to the cloud. Once the data is encrypted, you get a decryption key to access it. This makes it difficult for unauthorized individuals to have access to your data. There are so many ways to encrypt your data for the cloud. You can use cloud cryptography to enable secure access to data shared between two or more people. You can also use a cloud access security broker to protect information at rest. This system provides a single point of control for any cloud app you might be using in your business. It encrypts data and allows you to control your own keys.

 

Avoid Saving Sensitive Information

Though it is possible to secure data in the cloud, you need to play safe. Cybercriminals are getting smarter every day. One cloud security feature may work today and become easy-to-crack the next day. So be careful not to store sensitive information in the cloud. Sensitive information includes customers’ credit card details, the company’s IT system access codes, employee personal information, and your business plan. Instead, have an internal information management plan to take care of sensitive data.

 

Prioritize Cloud Security Training

You need to train the employees on how to use the cloud efficiently while at the same time ensuring it is secure. You can hire a cybersecurity expert, or you can encourage them to pursue online IT degrees that focus on internet security. Through training, your employees will know how to use the cloud storage services responsibly without exposing the business to security threats. They will know which security protocols to observe and how to detect and evade potential threats to the system. An online degree also provides your employees with the opportunity to acquire more knowledge and become more efficient and productive in IT.

 

Back Up the Data

Though you might have used a hard-to-guess password and encrypted every data, you can still lose information in the cloud. To avoid a situation where the business fails because of data loss, you need to back up all the data stored in the cloud. Start with the data that are sensitive and important for the business and move on to less sensitive data. By doing so, you can be sure your business will have something to fall back on in case of data loss.

 

Simple passwords, locks and other security measures are no longer enough to guarantee adequate protection of data on the cloud. Hackers have developed highly sophisticated ways to invade cloud systems. Apply the tips discussed above to ensure your data is in the right hands.