More businesses are migrating software, data, and applications to the cloud, and cybersecurity risks are at an all time high. Is cloud computing really a safe, secure option for your business? Keep reading to learn more about what risks are out there and how cloud services can keep your data secure.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing refers to any software, application, or service that isn’t located on your local computer or device and instead runs over the internet. Google Drive, Netflix, and Dropbox are all great examples. These services are accessible from any device with an internet connection, letting you access media, business data, documents, and more.
Benefits of a Secure Cloud
Migrating to the cloud comes with a few key benefits for your business. As mentioned above, cloud computing increases your mobility and accessibility—employees can easily work from home or in the field without experiencing a dip in performance.
Cloud services also allow your business to remain flexible in an ever-changing world. As your storage and computing needs fluctuate, cloud services scale alongside your business. Cloud platforms are also a cost-effective means of file storage and file sharing.
Is the Cloud Secure? Common Security Risks and Concerns
As is the case with any technology connected to the internet, cloud computing has its risks. As more businesses opt to use cloud services, more data is managed by third parties. Moreover, cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated.
These two conditions signal a cause for alarm in many business owners, who may feel that their data and sensitive information is in jeopardy. Below, we’ll explore some of the biggest threats and pain points associated with cloud computing.
Misconfiguration
Did you know that most security breaches are caused by human error? According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigation, 82% of breaches involve a human element.
When your business migrates to the cloud, it’s not necessarily a 1:1 transfer—some software and applications don’t line up perfectly with the cloud. This means they need to be reconfigured, and that can leave holes within your system that can be exploited by malicious users.
For example, your system’s Internet Control Message Protocol (IMCP), which reports network device errors, becomes a common attack vector for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and malware if it’s left open. The ICMP displays if your server is responsive and online, and malicious users use that information to pinpoint their attacks.
An open ICMP is just one of many examples of misconfiguration that put your data in the cloud at risk. When you migrate to the cloud, it’s important to do so with the assistance of a reputable managed service provider. They have the tools and expertise to provide you with the right degree of scrutiny for your cloud migration.
Viruses and Malware
Viruses and malware aren’t just threats for your local, on-premise system. They can also affect your data in the cloud. When you click on a suspicious link or accidentally download malware, malicious scripts surge through your device and network, looking for sensitive information and login credentials. These can then be used to access vast quantities of data and information within the cloud, resulting in a massive security breach.
Account Hijacking
Malicious scripts and programs aren’t the only way that threat actors target your data. They will often try to use spyware or brute-force password attempts to gain access to your accounts. If this occurs, your data and information is once again laid out in the open, posing a major security risk for your business.
Phishing Scams
One of the most common ways that threat actors try to gain access to your information is by using phishing scams. Phishing is a social engineering tactic in which malicious users pose as a reputable organization, like your bank, and request sensitive or personal information, like your PIN or logic credentials.
Although phishing scams sound like they’re easy to spot, they have become extremely sophisticated. It can actually be rather difficult to determine whether an email is just spam or malicious phishing.
Looking for a secure cloud server for your small business? We have the cloud solution for you.
How the Cloud Keeps Information Secure
With the security of cloud storage being called into question, it’s important to address the many security mechanisms that cloud providers have in place. In reality, cloud computing is actually much more secure than most on-premise servers. Below, you’ll find some of the most common ways that cloud services protect your data.
Encryption
Encryption is one of the best methods to secure cloud data. When your data is uploaded to the cloud, the information becomes scrambled using an encryption key. Without the proper decryption key, your information remains completely unreadable.
With the correct access permissions and login credentials, you can easily view your data that’s stored in the cloud, but unauthorized users can’t. One of the biggest advantages of cloud storage is that, even if your data is stolen, threat actors won’t be able to read it because it’s encrypted.
Hardware and Software Updates
Updates roll out regularly for a reason. Not only do they fix existing issues and add new user functions, but they also improve security protocol. Out-of-date applications can easily become attack vectors for threat actors who have figured out how to circumvent older security protocols. Once they’re in your network, they branch out and can exploit the rest of your data. If you stay up to date with hardware and software updates, you can easily mitigate this risk.
Data Backups and Redundancy
Data backups are an essential component of secure cloud computing. Whether you experience data loss from a power outage or security breach, backups and redundancy servers quickly restore your data and get your business back on track.
Many businesses opt to use failover servers, which automatically take over for the primary server if it goes down. This reduces downtime, data loss, and lets you continue doing what you do.
Firewalls
Secure cloud firewalls manage the flow of information between your internal system and the outside world. Using sophisticated algorithms, they are able to filter out abnormal or suspicious-looking traffic and keep your data safe. Firewalls stop malicious traffic in its tracks, letting you store data securely.
Data Monitoring
Real time data monitoring lets you keep track of what’s going on in your cloud server. If abnormal user behavior or unknown IP addresses are found lurking in the shadows, they’ll be flagged. This process helps catch potential issues before they evolve into security breaches or disasters.
Partner with TRT for Secure Cloud Solutions
At Technology Response Team, we know that cloud computing can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you migrate to the cloud as securely and smoothly as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our secure cloud services.
