Many companies today are taking advantage of cloud technology to store their data. While this can often be a very convenient and cost effective method of data storage, companies are trusting cloud service providers with a lot of sensitive data. These companies must take steps to ensure their data is secure on the cloud.

Most reputable cloud service providers offer full security. Their data centers are state of the art and make use of the best technology offering the highest levels of security available. Regardless of how secure the provider is, you will still be using your own devices to access your data on the cloud. These devices can introduce some vulnerability that will need attention.

  1. Start by choosing a reputable cloud service provider and internet service provider. While this will not secure your devices, it can offer front line protection of your data.
  2. Start to secure your devices by installing anti-malware and antivirus software. These should be installed on all laptops and desktop devices.
  3. Educate your staff and end users. Be sure that you educate your entire staff on security procedures. For example, stress the importance of strong passwords and keeping those passwords private. In addition, it is a good idea that your staff periodically changes their passwords.
  4. When members of your staff leave the company, be sure to immediately discontinue any access he/she may have to your data. Change any passwords that these former staff members had and remove any electronic privileges that they were given.
  5. Start thinking about mobile security and take action. With so many web-based applications today, you can access your software just about anywhere with a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Many of these devices will save your login information so that you can access these programs with ease. Be sure that anyone using their mobile devices lock their device behind a PIN number. If the device is lost or stolen, this will make it more difficult for the data to be accessed.
  6. Keep your software up to date with security patches. Make sure that you keep operating systems and browsers up to date with the latest security patches. These patches will make your devices more secure.

Storing your data on the cloud has many advantages and companies should not be afraid to make this change, but there is no fool-proof guarantee that your data would never be at risk. By starting with the steps above, you can at least stack the odds in your favor.