BLOG How to Improve Your Organization’s Cloud Security

In the last few years, cloud computing has changed the way businesses conduct their operations. This new technology has enabled companies to scale to greater heights – achievements that were previously challenging to reach because of limitations in finances, time, and other resources. 

Like the rise of the internet, cloud computing has made the world smaller and, arguably, better. However, this innovation is not without drawbacks. Cyberattacks are an ever-present threat for companies that have made the technological leap. Thankfully, there are actionable ways you can incorporate adequate cloud security into your cybersecurity measures.  

Six Steps to Improve your Cloud Security

Tackling cloud security should involve a multi-layered approach. This includes integration of security software and programs as well as proper employee knowledge dissemination. Security measures can come in various forms depending on the type of cloud security model your company opts for. Nevertheless, below are the best cloud security practices:

• Understand Your Cloud Computing Model

Some companies are hesitant to shift their assets to the cloud. One of the drawbacks of this technology is relinquishing control and visibility to cloud service providers or CSPs. The concern lies in the transfer of security responsibility to the providers. 

That said, the level of visibility and transparency allowed by the cloud service client depends on the type of model they choose to sign up for. There are four available options:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS)
• Platform as a Service (PAAS)
• Software as a Service (SAAS)
• Container as a Service (CAAS)

Each option entails a different level of relinquishing control. Knowing what you are signing up for is a crucial step in protecting your assets because it informs the security measures that your organization should undertake. 

• Make Sure to Encrypt Your Data

Data encryption is arguably one of the most basic forms of cloud data security available. Nevertheless, some companies are choosing to be lax in encrypting the data that they store in the cloud. 

At the end of the day, information stored in the cloud can be accessed by anyone within the network. Imposing restrictions on who can access specific details prevents malicious attackers from gaining access to a system and minimizes human error risks.

• Monitor Diligently

When it comes to cloud security, both the customer and cloud service provider are responsible for securing information. CSPs secure the cloud, clients secure what they store within the cloud. 

As a business transitioning to the cloud, it is essential to remember that protecting physical infrastructures that run on the cloud, including software, hardware, and other facilities, still fall on your shoulders. It is crucial to do the activity diligently. This way, it is easier to spot inconsistencies that might lead to a breach.

• Create a User-Friendly Ecosystem

Purchasing a slew of security software to protect your cloud-based data is all well and good. However, this is often not enough to safeguard your operation from simple human error. Most of the time, the most significant breaches come from the slightest lapses. Creating an ecosystem that is friendly to all of your employees minimizes their chances of developing a vulnerability within your network. 

It is crucial to create an interface that isn’t intimidating. Likewise, proper training should be implemented before the cloud-based solution is rolled out.

• Implement Robust Reporting

Similar to the concerns with monitoring, reporting is an essential part of seeing the overall security picture within your cloud ecosystem. Truth be told, yearly audits aren’t enough to run an efficient cloud-based operation. Daily reporting enables an organization to determine the facets that work and the aspects within the network that needs improvement.

• Have Back-Ups 

Cyber Attackers can be ruthless. Often, your security efforts aren’t enough to deter a particularly enthusiastic malicious actor despite your due diligence. Your cloud might be compromised, but that doesn’t mean that your entire operation should come to a screeching halt. Having back-ups prevents any lags and delays that you may experience in the event of a successful breach. 

Making the Leap: Why Cloud Computing

Shifting your organizations’ way of transferring data and communicating can be a complicated and expensive ordeal. However, with the shift to cloud computing, the investment is well worth the advantages that your organization may reap following the change:

• Cloud Computing is Cost-Effective

Before cloud computing, organizations had physical rooms to house their servers of data and information. Before that, companies thrived on using rows upon rows of filing cabinets. While the initial investment on shifting to the cloud might be expensive, it is nowhere near the expenditure of the data management methods that came before.

• Cloud Computing is Scalable

Choosing to store information in the cloud allows for seamless scalability. This is because you aren’t limited by the physical data center within your organization. Through the cloud, scaling your operation no longer means purchasing a server, making space for your purchase, and finding the time to install and configure your data center’s
extension.

• Cloud Computing Allows Flexible Work Environments

Without a doubt, the current global crisis has changed the way people choose to work. Nowadays, organizations are more amenable to allowing their employees to work remotely. Remote work is an attractive perk that most workers look for when vetting the company they intend to join. 

Cloud computing provides better flexibility in terms of work environments. This innovation allows people to access information without being tethered to a physical space. Through the cloud, your company is bound to be more attractive to prospective employees. Moreover, you can save on the overhead costs for a physical location with an investment in a cloud-based operation. 

Conclusion

Transitioning to cloud-based operation can help grow and scale a company. However, with the benefits come responsibilities. Choosing the right cloud security options is imperative in maximizing the advantages of this innovation. 

When it comes to protecting your digital assets, including your cloud computing network, SecureBrain provides cybersecurity solutions designed to protect enterprises and their customers from both common and complex cyberattacks. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your investments.