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Gone are the days when people relied on traditional storage systems for record-keeping and storing data.
With today’s technological advances, many British business owners opt for modern, cloud-based systems due to their benefits.
The advantages of storing data on the cloud are many. Not only does cloud storage help companies save money from buying on-premises hardware requirements, but also it has revolutionized the way users access, share, and store data.
Unfortunately, using the cloud for data storage has some risks. As more businesses rely on cloud technologies, it has opened doors of opportunities for hackers or cybercriminals as well to access, steal, or even use illegally obtained data to get a ransom. If you fall victim to a data breach, your company may suffer from financial and reputational damage.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent cloud security risks and keep your data safe. Aside from working with information technology (IT) firms offering solutions like managed IT services in Exeter if you’re in the United Kingdom, you can consider the following to protect your data on the cloud:
Use Reliable Cloud Service Providers
While it’s tempting to choose any cloud service provider you see online, you should always do a background check before you finalize your decision. To save time and money, opt for reliable cloud service providers in the market.
Working with successful and experienced service providers will help you better understand the best practices and security protocols to implement. Plus, they can develop and provide robust solutions to keep your cloud infrastructure secure and compliant.
In addition, an excellent service provider offers real-time data monitoring and uses analytics to determine your company’s critical points. This way, preventing possible threats that may put your data at risk will be much easier. To learn more about managed services for cloud security, check online sites like timewade.com for helpful resources.
Use Strong Passwords
Your passwords are the first line of defence against any unauthorized access to your data online. Therefore, it’s crucial to set a strong password and avoid using common or easy-to-guess ones.
Hackers can quickly crack weak passwords, and when that happens, your data’s security will be compromised. This may result in data loss and other types of cyber attacks that can cost you a lot of money.
Do your best to create a strong password. Here are some tips you can use to set a secure password:
Ensure it’s at least eight characters in length;
Avoid using passwords with letters only;
Don’t use identifying information, including your birthday, name, or anything relevant to you;
Mix the characters by using symbols, numbers, and letters; and the like.
These tips will guide you through creating strong passwords for better cloud data protection. However, when setting up passwords, be sure to change them up from one account to another.
If you often forget your passwords, use a password manager to help you remember them easily. And you can use it to generate a unique password for your accounts.
Consider Availing Of An Encryption Service
One of the safety measures to keep your cloud data secure is encryption. It provides an extra layer of security to access your data. Other cloud service providers offer built-in encryption of your data aside from backup and storage. It means that such providers will encrypt your files on your devices and store them safely online.
Prepare For Data Backup
When storing data on the cloud, it’s crucial to have backups ready. Depending on your preferences, you can store backups locally and in other cloud services. If you don’t know the best option for your needs, work with cloud experts to help you figure out the right backup solutions you need.
The best thing about having a backup is that it can lessen downtime and prevent possible disruptions to your operations should there be issues with your data. So, schedule a backup regularly and keep several copies of it.
Be Cautious When Using Public Wi-Fi
Although you can use firewalls and unique passwords, you can’t guarantee your data’s safety if you’re using a public internet connection or Wi-Fi.
Yet if you have no choice but to use public Wi-Fi, always proceed with caution. The reason behind it is that cybercriminals often use public internet connections to steal data as soon as users connect.
To protect your data on the cloud, avoid using public Wi-Fi at all costs. If possible, invest in a virtual private network (VPN) service to browse the internet anonymously and ensure data security.
Conclusion
It’s believed that cloud storage adoption has rapidly increased recently. If you’re one of the businesses that uses the cloud, it’s critical to learn how to protect your company data. Use the abovementioned strategies for the best results. If you think your data has been compromised while it’s uploaded to the cloud, change your password immediately and alert your service provider to prevent further damage.