How Can Businesses Ensure Cloud Platform Security?

Talk to either business owners or technology professionals; both will tell you what advancement has been moving to the Cloud. Even in most turbulent times, you can now carry on working as if nothing is remiss. The only thing that remains of concern is security. Thankfully, the Cloud service providers are continuously working towards keeping the platform safe and free of threats. If the business IT team also works proactively towards keeping their data and applications safe, it is like erecting two barriers for the hackers to breach.

If you think that Cloud security is the whole and sole responsibility of the service provider, you are in for a nasty surprise. There is a lot that businesses can do to ensure Cloud platform security. But for that, we shall have to first accept the fact that the responsibility belongs both to the Cloud service provider and the business owner. Today, let us see the ways in which organizations can keep what is theirs safe on the Cloud.

A Cloud platform suffers from the same weaknesses as a traditional data center. Both are run on software and, therefore, both suffer from code vulnerabilities. Despite that, keeping information secure on the Cloud is all about being aware and tackling the bull by the horns. Here’s what enterprises should do:

1. Encrypt All Information – The first step is to encrypt all the data on the Cloud. Something that one cannot make sense of is of no use to the hacker. They cannot use it to gain the upper hand. But the key here is not to use a simple encryption program. If you can afford it, get a unique one. It will be harder to break and act as a detriment. Also, encryption will ensure that neither the Cloud service provider nor any third party will have access to the information. The best way to achieve it is by installing a solid encryption program at the network’s edge such that all information gets automatically encrypted as soon as it leaves the computer.

2. Retain  Decryption Keys – Encrypted data will need a key to decrypt it and translate it into an easy-to-understand language. People who don’t have the key will not be able to decipher it. It will give you full control over all that is yours. Even third parties will need to ask for permission to access. Nobody can use your data without the decryption key, so you will always know who accesses it and when.

3. Restrict Access – Everybody in the organization does not need access to all that is stored on the Cloud. The more people are having access to everything, the greater the chances of a leak. Access rights should only be given on a strictly need-to-know basis. This practice will automatically make a large part of data and apps stored over the cloud inaccessible to those who have no use of it in their work, and rarely, other than the top management, will anyone ever have access to it all.

4. Deploy Two Factor Authentication – Even the access granted to the employees should follow a safety-first approach. In that respect, two-factor authentication is the safest bet. Even if somebody breaks the first password, it is next to impossible to break the second one. Even the best hackers find it challenging.

5. Strong Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware On Devices Accessing The Data – Computers, laptops, and any other internet-based devices that are used to access your Cloud should have strong antivirus or anti-malware protection. Such software prevents suspicious URLs from opening and malicious attachments from downloading. It also prevents sharing of information that is on-screen and over the Cloud at any time.

6. Be Clear About The Cloud Service Providers Cloud Safety Protocols – The wisest approach to protect what belongs to you on the Cloud is by first finding out what all security measures the cloud service provider has in place. There is no point in duplicating the effort as it will only increase your expense. Your safety measures should add to the overall protection on the Cloud platform. So they need to be in addition to what the service provider is offering.

7. Strong Privacy Settings – When you sign up for Cloud usage, before transferring your data, configure the privacy settings. Be careful while granting permissions to every third party. They should at best have only restricted access to your information and, then too, related to the app usage and nothing more.

8. Test, Test, Retest – Test the living daylights out of your Cloud. Test and retest to find vulnerabilities and secure them. Testing once is not enough. It should be a continuous and ongoing process as new threats come out every day.

9. Update – App updates happen to increase its efficiency and also to fix all bugs. Always keep all your apps up to date. The updates should be downloaded ASAP and not left for later as the app or software will be vulnerable until then.

10. Be Aware – Lastly, you need to be aware of all that is happening regarding new threats or newly launched safety software. This knowledge will help you prepare for any threat well in time and also update and upgrade your security programs, if necessary. 

As the Cloud has gained acceptance and popularity amongst one and all, stricter privacy laws have come into practice. The cybersecurity laws have also improved to embrace the changes. Though Cloud service providers are continuously taking steps to improve and secure the Cloud yet their lack of control over how the users utilize their service is a restricting factor. Businesses too are concerned and employ additional security measures. This dual approach makes for stringent security of sensitive information. Therefore, it has become essential for both parties to share the onus of keeping the Cloud safe and free of threats.

If you feel that securing your Cloud space is more than you can tackle, the good news is that you can now hire experts like Oamii Technologies to do it for you. With our help, you can harness the full potential of your business with complete safety.