Many businesses have acknowledged the cost savings achieved by storing data on the cloud. For the few that have not invested in cloud storage, their main concern is safety. It is difficult for a business to hand over sensitive information to a third party without being anxious about a data breach. Therefore, if you are one of those people who are reluctant to shift to cloud storage despite its many benefits, read on to see why it is the safest storage alternative.
- Cloud Storage Is Redundant
When you store your business files in removable storage devices, you can still lose them if the hard drive is destroyed. You can try duplicating the information on different removable storage drives but updating or syncing this data will be exhausting. One benefit of storing data in the cloud is that it is backed up multiple times.
Data on the cloud is stored in physical servers. When you upload data to your cloud storage space, the information is duplicated onto multiple servers in different independent data centers worldwide. This redundancy ensures the safety of your data.
If any of the cloud servers fail, copies of your files are still available on other servers. Additionally, you can assess the information whenever you need it. Amazon Web Services claims that the likelihood of losing data from the cloud is one in 100 billion. This shows the reliability and effectiveness of the cloud storage system.
- Round the Clock Monitoring
Another reason cloud storage is secure is that these networks are watched round the clock. Cloud storage vendors have operations centers staffed with cyber security experts who are on alert 24/7. The experts are constantly watching for digital threats and are equipped with the skills and tools to address them. For example, some cloud storage vendors have automated data protection systems like snapshots and disaster recovery.
Additionally, cloud storage vendors have software teams working round the clock to ensure the security of their applications. Many cyber criminals use missing security patches to launch their attacks on a network. The cloud storage providers’ software teams ensure all software programs are patched to avoid entry points. These experts also stress-test their systems to spot potential points of failure.
Additionally, cloud storage providers employ software teams that are available around-the-clock to manage the security of their apps. Missing security patches are among the most common vulnerabilities that hackers use to gain unauthorized access to a network. Cloud providers’ software teams ensure that every piece of software is patched to eliminate entry points and proactively stress-test their systems to identify potential points of failure. Data center operators also ensure the security of your data by enlisting security teams to patrol data centers and server rooms.
- Encryption of Data
Data stored in the cloud is encrypted. Before sending data to your cloud storage vendor, encrypt it. This practice is known as zero-knowledge or end-to-end encryption. It means you are the only one with the encryption key.
When your data arrives at the cloud provider’s servers, it is kept encrypted. Therefore, not even your cloud storage vendor can decrypt your data. Encrypting data before sending it over the cloud ensures that it cannot be breached if a hacker intercepts it during transfer.
How To Ensure The Security Of Your Data
Although cloud storage providers have security measures to protect your data, you should also make some effort. Here are some additional ways to protect data stored in the cloud.
- Two-Factor Authentication
One of the simplest ways to protect your data is by turning on two-factor authentication for your account. Therefore, whenever you want to log in to your account, you should have your password and a one-time verification code. This code is sent to your email inbox or phone. Attackers cannot access your account even after cracking your password because they don’t have the verification code.
- Protect Your Encryption Key
Without the encryption key, you cannot access your data. Therefore, make sure you make a copy of your key in case you forget or lose it. You can write it down and keep it somewhere safe or create a digital copy and store it in a hardware security module. This puts the key behind a firewall which is impenetrable by hackers.
- Disconnect Your Devices
Another tip for protecting your cloud-based data is logging off your account. Make sure you disconnect or turn off devices logged in to your cloud storage account when you aren’t using them. Intruders can easily access your account and steal information when you leave your devices logged in. Some cloud providers have an automatic time-out feature. Make sure you turn it on.
Wrapping It Up
It is human nature to distrust technology you aren’t familiar with. This is why many businesses prefer to use conventional storage methods for their sensitive data. However, cloud storage isn’t as vulnerable as physical storage systems. The protocols and policies that govern cloud storage ensure your data is more secure than when it is stored using traditional methods.
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