Your business may have recently migrated some operations to the cloud because of its advantages, such as affordability, scalability, and simplicity. However, the technology isn’t a panacea for organizations concerned with data security. With many businesses moving to the cloud, hackers are also finding new ways to infiltrate systems and steal information. And even if you have the most professional security software installed, your employees can still fall victim to cybercriminals at any time.
So what can you do to keep your data secure in the cloud? Here are a few ideas to consider:
#1. Take better control of your login credentials
Passwords aren’t as secure as other authentication methods such as biometrics and PINs, but they can be configured properly to protect your accounts.
- Use passphrases
Instead of using long passwords that are hard to remember, use passphrases. These are sentences or a combination of words such as “bookshopvitamindropswater” or “applepieisthebestfoodever1219”. Longer passwords with words from the dictionary are easier to remember and exponentially harder to crack.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
MFA uses more than one authentication method to verify a user’s identity. For instance, after entering a password, users can be prompted to enter a one-time code sent to their smartphone. Alternative methods include facial and fingerprint recognition.
By using MFA, even if cybercriminals get a hold of a user’s login credentials, their hacking attempt would still be futile without fulfilling the succeeding login requirements.
Download our free eBook!
Interested in moving to the cloud? Gain more background information on how it works and why you need it by reading our free eBook: Demystifying the Cloud
#2. Encrypt your data
Encrypt your data to protect them from malware and hackers when they’re at rest or in transit. Even if your files get intercepted by an unauthorized third party, as long as they're encrypted, they will remain unreadable to prying eyes.
One of the most effective encryption methods to secure data transmission is implementing security certificates such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These are used to protect the integrity of data in transit.
For data at rest, cryptography can be implemented on the database housing and on the physical storage where they are located. This prevents any sensitive data from being decoded by hackers.
#3. Avoid phishing scams
According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), phishing is the top threat action in confirmed cybersecurity breaches in 2019. Phishing is a method of stealing sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card details by pretending to be from a trusted individual or firm in emails, text messages, or phone calls.
Don’t open suspicious emails
Carefully check the email's sender. If you don’t recognize them, don’t open or respond to the email. Opening spam can put an unprotected computer at risk. Don’t reply unless the message has been verified to come from a legitimate source.
Inspect links first
Before clicking on any links within emails, check the target address by hovering your mouse over it. Research online to find the firm’s legitimate web address. An email might display the link as “www.paypal.com/login”, which looks legitimate, its true destination might be a spoofed version, such as “www.pay-pal.com/login”. The rogue website might even look like PayPal’s website to avoid suspicion.
Once a user inputs their login credentials on the rogue website, the information will be handed over to cybercriminals, which can then be used for data and identity theft.
Be careful with attachments
Hackers can also include malware-infected attachments within emails. These can be either executables disguised as documents or real documents that unleash macro malware. For example, a criminal can send a legitimate-looking file like “Presentation.pptx”. However, the file’s actual name is “Presentation.pptx.exe”, which is an executable that will eventually introduce malicious code into the system when opened.
Do not download or open attachments from emails that didn’t come from a verified source. These may likely contain malware that can leak your data and corrupt your system.
You deserve to enjoy peace of mind when it comes to your data’s security in the cloud. Binatech makes it easy by offering you cost-effective, scalable, and tailor-made solutions that will protect your data from hackers 24/7/365. Ready to get started? Give us a call today to keep your cloud data secure.
