Cloud computing services offer scalability, collaboration, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. That's why it's no surprise to see the vast majority of small businesses adopting the cloud for storage and operation.
But as more sensitive data moves to the cloud, there are a few essential things every small business must consider...
1. Data Privacy In the Cloud
Protecting data is paramount. Unauthorized access or disclosure can result in huge financial and reputational harm. And every business should strive to protect customer data.
That's why it's essential to encrypt data both at rest and in transit.
Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals, it remains incomprehensible and unusable.
To further mitigate this threat, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). And regularly audit and update user access privileges as a safeguard.
2. Access Controls In the Cloud
Best security practices tell us one of the best ways to minimize potential damage caused by compromised accounts is to grant users only the minimum level of access required to do their duties.
When choosing a cloud service provider, pay special attention to defining and managing user roles and permissions. Regularly audit these controls, and don't hesitate to act upon identifying any suspicious activity.
What does suspicious activity look like? This will of course be unique for every business, but if something looks "out of the ordinary," consider it suspicious.
Following these access control guidelines can help you prevent data leakage and other breaches.
3. Selecting the Right Cloud Provider
Perhaps the single most important piece of your cybersecurity puzzle will be selecting the cloud provider best for your business.
Here's what you should consider when shopping for the best candidate:
• Security Certifications & Compliance
Look for cloud providers that adhere to recognized security standards and have relevant certifications, such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Ensure the provider complies with industry-specific regulations that apply to your organization.
• Transparency & Auditability
Seek providers who offer transparency and allow independent audits of their security controls. This demonstrates a commitment to accountability and gives you confidence in the security of your data.
• Incident Response & Disaster Recovery
Evaluate the cloud provider's incident response capabilities, including their ability to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents. Ask about their disaster recovery plans and backup strategies to ensure data availability and business continuity.
• Data Segregation & Isolation
Confirm that the cloud provider employs strong isolation techniques to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage between different customer environments.
Here at CyberMyte, we offer a world-class security cloud with premier data storage solutions, plus full-service cybersecurity expertise and consulting.
We'd love to talk about how we can secure your business.
Get in touch.
