A Brief Guide to Data Protection and Cloud Storage

Companies are required to collect and store a great deal of data from their customers. The growing use of integrated and connected electronic devices and equipment provides new endpoints and risks to manage. As many companies move their data into the Cloud, this data may become vulnerable to threats, and its safety and security is a key aspect of cloud computing.  

‘Data is the new oil’ is what the Economist noted in 2017. This statement has since then become more of a reality than ever; the big 5 data storage and acquisition companies have only grown and now hold more personal data than ever. 

Theft of online data is big business

Data theft has become a major issue since most businesses moved online, and unscrupulous cybercriminals now trade in stolen personal data that can be used from anything such as purchasing one’s details online or using a company’s database to drive a competitive marketing campaign.  In 2020, data from 538 million accounts was stolen from Sina Wiebo (Chinas’ Twitter) and put up for sale. Data theft has become big business in its own right on the Dark web.

Most of the data that is targeted is held in central servers or in offsite storage, commonly known as the Cloud, and it is thus critical to have both a professional host and top-notch Data security in the Cloud. Look for trusted advisors like PacGenesis to find solutions for your organization’s security needs.

Cloud security

Protecting data in the Cloud is often thought to be the responsibility of the host or service provider; however, it is actually the responsibility of the host and the client or company whose data is being stored. In those occasions where the data can be accessed and updated by the customer themselves, then responsibility for data security can be shared three ways, host, the business, and the customer. The host must ensure the security of access and safe storage to the Cloud, the businesses ensuring that data is stored with a reputable supplier or host and that remote access by staff is done safely and securely. The customer must ensure that their data is accessed and updated in a secure fashion; passwords must be encrypted and changed regularly and never shared. A perfect example of this is Complete Document Solutions a professional Managed IT service that provides powerful protection for data in the Long Beach and California region. As well as providing a clear explanation of what Cybersecurity is and why it is so important.

Zero trust protocol and why your host must use it

Once you have chosen a cloud host to discuss and plan for data security and protection thereof, insist on a Zero Trust protocol. This is basically what it says on the can; your host and your business should trust no one. Do not trust anyone or anything both outside and inside the network. Authorization must be required from every device; in every location, data entered must be inspected, and everything must be secure.

In discussions with your host, you can make sure that these protocols are implemented and ensure that all staff are aware. 

Remote end users of your data, accessing the Cloud storage from external locations and possibly on smartphones cause the most risk. But if you have a zero-trust protocol, it will be much harder to break through the firewalls, and regardless of where your staff are and how they access the data, it will remain safe.

The security of your customer and company data is paramount. Before you rush out there on the bandwagon to join the exodus from local servers to the Cloud, make sure that you understand data protection and cloud security. Trust no-one.