Avoid Security Errors By Using The Cloud
The adoption of new technologies is constantly growing; one of the biggest trends this year is cloud computing. Cloud computing is the practice of using remote servers to store, manage, and process data.
Today, companies use this technology to share information faster and more efficiently with their collaborators regardless of their physical location. Working with a cloud platform has gained so much popularity that, according to a report by the consulting firm RightScale, 95% of companies use some cloud service for their daily operations (Wilczek, 2018).
This statistic gives us an idea of the relevance and benefits that the Cloud has to offer. However, just as every new technology has multiple benefits, it is also essential to know its potential risks and how to respond to them.
There are cybersecurity risks that companies must take into consideration when using cloud services. Some of the most worrying are unauthorized access or leakage of confidential information, encryption problems, system failures, cyber-attacks, and problems with information retrieval, among others.
Fortunately, in the same way, there are also strategies and mistakes to avoid that can help you make more efficient and safe use of your platform.
Here we share 5 common mistakes when using the Cloud and how to avoid them.
1. Not Adapting Your Information And Tools To The Cloud.
Migrating to the Cloud may seem simple for companies purchasing cloud services. Generally, companies copy their databases and applications from their servers to the Cloud. This action, known as “Lift and shift,” is a process in which a code or information is entered into the Cloud without modifying it according to the criteria that the Cloud has.
Sometimes, it can result in compatibility problems, system failures, or even loss of information. To avoid these types of problems, it is necessary to adapt your data and applications to the cloud platform that you are using. Also, check to see if the cloud service provider has compatibility tools to make your apps usable in the Cloud.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication.
Hackers are increasingly using more sophisticated and complex strategies to steal information on the network. Password theft or identity theft are ways cyber thieves can obtain your sensitive information or sabotage your Cloud. Traditional entry methods are no longer secure enough to protect your company’s data.
Multi-factor authentication is a great way to establish a new security barrier against these threats. In this authentication mode, in addition to their regular password, the user receives an additional one-time password through a text message when entering an electronic device previously authorized to enter the Cloud. Increasing the parameters necessary to enter the Cloud will substantially reduce the chances that a computer attack will affect your information in the Cloud.
3. Poor Access Management.
For a company to keep its information secure, it is essential that only the employees who need it have access to it. Companies that are new to cloud technology do not always correctly define their employees’ access to the Cloud according to their competencies.
Not limiting access can generate strong vulnerabilities to information or tools since mishandling or intentional leaking of information can seriously affect your company. For this reason, it is essential to create divisions in the Cloud that correctly assign the appropriate information and tools to each employee according to their skills and level in the organization.
A reasonable access to information will guarantee that the information is managed only by the appropriate people.
4. Weak Encryption
Another familiar mistake companies make when adopting the Cloud is assuming that the levels of data encryption offered by the cloud provider are sufficient to keep your data safe.
Although providers must comply with specific cybersecurity standards, your company must ensure that the encryption of your information complies with the company’s security protocols.
5. Not having a backup of the information.
Having a backup is never a bad idea, and this also applies when using your company’s Cloud. When using cloud services, it is necessary to consider that the service may go down, fail or be subject to cyber-attacks, damaging the information or, in the worst case, deleting it.
To prevent information from being lost permanently, it is necessary to back up information in an organized and constant manner. These practices can give you the confidence that you will have the information insured against any inconvenience or contingency.
As we can see, despite the great benefits that the Cloud offers companies, it is still vulnerable to risks and dangers.
Advanced Cloud Security offers extensive benefits for your company, such as:
- Centralized management in the Cloud.
- Integration with Cisco Talos.
- Instant protection for devices connected to the internet through the use of DNS.
- Security reports on Internet browsing.
- Protection against threats such as Ransomware, Phishing, and Command and Control
- Vision of the activities of the users of your organization.
With these features, you will be sure that adopting new technologies such as the Cloud in your organization will be a safe and reliable transition that will protect your data and users.
