Who Has Access to the Data on Your Network? - EMPIST®

So, Your Data Is Stored in the Cloud… 

But do you know who has access to it?  

For those already accustomed to the tangible, in-person security afforded by servers and hard drives, entrusting your data to the great unknown of the cloud can feel like a pretty risky move.  

And if we’re being honest, it’s not like that apprehension is completely unfounded, either.  

But just like with any other cutting-edge piece of tech, while there are certain risks to adopting cloud storage, much of your misgivings about cloud security could easily be assuaged by a little bit of background info.  

It’s time to calm those nerves; Here’s what you need to know about protecting your data in-cloud.  

Let’s Chat About Cloud Security 

“Cloud computing” simply defines any data storage or digital operations that are accessed remotely – as in, not from your business’s on-premise server. And while there are a few different types of cloud services you can choose from (i.e. a public cloud program, a private, dedicated cloud, a hybrid cloud, or a collaboration cloud), at the end of the day, they all provide the same thing: off-premise storage and computing capabilities that you can easily access from anywhere.  

That’s the gist, anyway.  

So, when we start up a conversation about cloud storage security, what we’re really talking about isn’t necessarily the security of the storage itself – which is usually housed in a data center – but rather the security of the path of access to that storage. 

In other words, how do we guard the internet-enabled avenue that connects you to your data from faraway? 

Talking Point: Network Access Control 

Cloud-based network access control is the channel by which you can oversee and regulate your cloud-stored-data remotely, keeping it safe from potential threats. Think of it as the method-to-the-madness of cloud security.  

Through network access control an administrator can add or revoke user access, update sensitive information like passwords, and manage all other necessary security processes. As such, data stored in the cloud can benefit from real-time security updates, 24/7/365 admin connection, and easy identity management all accessible via a mobile device.  

With cloud-based network access control, you can consider your connection protected.  

Not to Mention…

Other valuable security features you can expect when switching to the cloud include: 

• Continuous Updates: Cloud storage systems are updated on an ongoing basis, often automatically, thus ensuring that the security of your data is up-to-date without your business suffering a lapse in work.  
• Account Management: From logging new changes to establishing unique user permissions, cloud-based network access control allows for personalized security management with universal access, tailored specifically to your business’s needs. 
• Physical Security: Whether you opt for a public or private cloud storage option, you can rest easy knowing that the data-center which houses your sensitive information is compliant with the current standard of care, including physical safety nets, back-up recovery, internal and external firewalls, and encryption.  

Speaking Truth to Protection 

Of course, there are threats to consider when trusting in the cloud with your information: 

• Unsecured Networks: Just like your email, all web-accessible data can fall prey to hacking via improperly protected or public Wi-Fi networks, making network maintenance a must for cloud storage users. 
• Phishing Attacks and User-Mismanagement: Cloud storage security is not immune to human error. When using a cloud-based data recovery system, consider having your employees undergo social engineering and cybersecurity training to minimize risk.  
• Weak Passwords: It’s a sad truth that many passwords – even those protecting invaluable user data – just aren’t up to snuff. Proper passwords are always at least twelve characters long, mix numbers, characters, and symbols, and avoid common words and phrases.  

However, it’s important to keep in mind that your business faces many of the same risks with in-house data storage – and without the benefits of remote access, at that. Like it or not, there will always be liabilities to any type of data storage, which is why placing an emphasis on security – as cloud storage does – continues to be a necessity.  

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