Is My Data Safe in the Cloud?

Cloud computing is growing at a tremendous rate. A 19.1% estimated annual growth rate could see cloud computing reach a $100 billion market evaluation by 2028. Unlike many traditional data access platforms, cloud programs offer scalability, storage options and a utility pay structure. Cloud customers only pay for the features they need, creating flexible à la carte computing approach that makes it popular for all sorts of professionals.

Like most technology, cloud computing can sometimes be characterized by security concerns. Though the cloud is considered more secure than in-house solutions for storing data, hackers in the cloud space can still find ways to infiltrate secure networks. This issue has left many customers asking a difficult question — is the cloud truly a safe place for my data?

Tech behemoths like Amazon — alongside a host of other cloud computing providers — work hard to make sure the answer is a resounding "Yes". They've devised innovative, extremely useful solutions like AWS Cloudfront, that help keep your data safe no matter how you use the cloud. These new and improved solutions also come with reinforced security updates, to improve cloud functionality and provide valuable peace of mind.

Security concerns with cloud computing

Unlike traditional data storage solutions, the cloud does not store any of your files locally on a device. Instead, the cloud saves your data on the internet, allowing you to access information from anywhere in the world. Even if your computer fails, your data is generally safe on the cloud. Despite these improvements in the data storage model, the cloud still faces a few potential security concerns.

When targeting sensitive information, many hackers will prioritize the cloud — given that it generally stores passwords, payment credentials and other valuable items. Cloud providers are well aware of these challenges, and leverage comprehensive IT departments specifically to keep user data safe.

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How do I keep my data safe on the cloud?

In addition to the proactive safety techniques that many cloud providers adopt, there are several things you can do to keep your online data safe. Consult the following list of security protocols for some tips on how to secure your cloud-stored information.

Encryption

The first line of defense for your cloud-stored data is its encryption. Cloud encryption is the transformation of a cloud service customer's data into cipher text. This type of encryption is almost identical to in-house encryption; however, it is not customer specific. All cloud customers are entitled to data encryption, which hides your data behind firewalls and translation.

Depending on the type of data you're protecting, you might want additional security on top of what your cloud platform provides. Fortunately, many cloud providers allow you layer on additional security, or even integrate an internal IT team.

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Private cloud use

Private cloud is a cloud computing model dedicated to a single organization. It can be customized to your specifications, no matter what your company might need. You can tailor the security requirements, cloud infrastructure, permissions tiers, even the design, all to accommodate your organization. You'll be able to manage your private cloud internally, or you can trust a third party cloud provider for additional security.

Improved authentication tools

For better security of your cloud applications, it is best to make use of strong authentication tools. Consider incorporating two-factor authentication into regular cloud logins, to fortify your cloud structure against would-be hackers. In addition, you can integrate one-time passwords into the system to safeguard your database.

DDOS protection

Distributed denial of service protection (DDOS) can greatly help prevent DDOS attacks within your cloud structure. This type of security helps to prevent attacks from multiple systems at the same time, which can sometimes compromise cloud infrastructures without DDOS protection in place. DDOS attacks can half workflow, prevent cloud access and prevent members of your organization from accessing their own information. Often, a DDOS attack will often result in lost or compromised data.

Fortunately, DDOS protection helps close the door to DDOS attacks that could otherwise cost your organization time, money and effort to overcome.

Security-first programs like Amazon CloudFront

Services from reliable vendors like Amazon CloudFront come with increased level of security. Amazon CloudFront allows you to select a security policy with minimum TLS v1.1, v1.2, and security ciphers for viewer connections. With timely measures like these, you can keep your cloud platform one full step ahead of a hacker's threats or other cybersecurity challenges. high-end vendors ensure that you are always one step ahead of the hacker’s threats.

Internal IT

Cloud attacks are on the rise. Last year alone, some organizations averaged more than 900 cyber attacks each week. With the number of attacks on cloud computing platforms on the rise, it's important that organizations take steps to keep their data safe. Sometimes, this means hiring the best cloud talent available, to fortify your cloud infrastructure.

However, it's much more affordable to teach a member, or members, of your team the basics in cloud computing and cybersecurity. With the right education, any cloud technician can implement steps that keep your entire network safe from invasion.

Making the cloud a safe space for all data

With the right dedication to cybersecurity best practices, the cloud can easily become a safe place for all of your data, no matter what you're storing. And if your team lacks the education to implement some, or all, of the above cloud best practices, there are easy solutions available that can help streamline your learning curve.

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