Securely Switch Your Business Data to the Cloud

For businesses, cloud services are becoming a necessity in the technological world. However, it can be extremely nerve-wracking to transfer your business data and backup to the cloud, especially if you haven’t used it before. With enough companies failing to account for the security implications, and with so much information at stake, you want to make sure you hire the best available company to help you.

Cloud computing has become normal in the business world, but there are more news articles about missteps and data breaches, which should be enough to make companies really think carefully about the security of their data.

One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you research the cloud services available to you and keep these rules in mind:

Use All the Safety Features from Your Cloud Service Provider

Learn what security features are available, and what your employees will need to do to maintain that security. Your MSP can give more detailed guidance about the security controls available, and how to set them up to keep your information secure. However, it’s your responsibility as a business to get to know and understand the options, and to configure the settings for your type of business use.

Bear in mind that it’s not going to be a simple turn it on and off again process. The configuration of your cloud space security requires you to have a plan and make thoughtful decisions that match the priority and importance of the data you are storing, as well as how you use it.

In addition, you need to think about exactly who will have access to the data. Unless your employees need the information, they don’t need to have access to your cloud storage. You may even consider limiting access to certain files that are stored. Always use tools such as strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication in order to protect against the risk of unauthorized access.

Keep an Inventory of What’s in the Cloud

You should never use your cloud storage as a dump box for every file that you don’t even need anymore. You need to keep it available and reachable. You will find that your cloud storage will have more space than you need once you’ve moved, so don’t see this as something you have to fill, only use what you need for your business information.

Never store highly-sensitive information on the cloud. You also can’t keep your data safe if you don’t know where it is, therefore, your cloud storage needs to be organized. Inventories are a brilliant way to keep track of what you are storing and it’s the exact location. Most cloud services have tools such as a dashboard, but don’t set it up unless you are going to remember it and use it.

Pay Attention to Warnings

If you see a warning, don’t ignore it. Talk to your managed service provider if you receive a security warning from your cloud provider. Of course, you may get warnings as you are changing things around, but any credible warnings need to be addressed straight away.

Some cloud storage providers will offer you automated tools to remind you about cloud repositories absent-mindedly left open to the internet. Other providers may get in touch with their clients with warnings.

You may at times be contacted by security researchers who reach out to companies when they discover exposed data online. If you ever get one of these warnings, make sure you pay attention. Contact your MSP and check your cloud for any missing data.

You Can Outsource IT Security

Security is your overall responsibility as a business owner, however, if it’s something that you need, you can outsource using IT solutions which will not only look after your security online but be able to look at other areas of IT for your business too. 

Remember that any data your company has is your responsibility, and it remains that way the entire time you have it. Regardless if you are using IT services or managing it yourself, you are solely responsible for its security.

As well as considering outsourcing, you need to make sure you have a data security policy in place in the workplace, and then provide sufficient training to your employees.

Although it may seem daunting to move your data to the cloud, it is something that can be very efficient once in place. If you take the right precautions to ensure the switch is done securely the cloud can be a useful tool.