Businesses both large and small are moving their business to the cloud. They are able to realise significant overall cost savings, improve process efficiency, and are able to access the software outside the office. As cloud software evolves and improves, cloud providers and users are faced with changing security challenges. We’ve enlisted the help of Unleashed’s IT manager, Colin Ranwell, to talk about the top tips for protecting your company data and how to assess your cloud-based software has the required security features. Here are more issues that can arise and how your business can mitigate these risks.
What security challenges should I keep an eye out for?
Data breaches
While not unique to cloud software, data breaches remain a top concern for cloud users. A data breach can involve any kind of information that isn’t intended for the public eye. This can include personal data, financial information, trade secrets and intellectual property. It is important to note that a data breach might not be totally malicious - it can also happen as a result of human error or poor user security practices.
Insufficient identity and credential management
People with bad intentions can pretend to be legitimate users, operators or developers and snoop for data and modify information. Unauthorised access to your data can have catastrophic damage to the business.
No due diligence
When strategising and planning, executives involved need to take into account their cloud-based software and service providers. Businesses that rush headfirst into implementing a new cloud software without doing their due diligience by thoroughly researching their cloud provider and software can expose themselves to greater risks.
4 tips for keeping your data secure
Identify what you’re responsible for
The best cloud providers can only be responsible for so much; the rest relies on cloud users to understand what their business is managing.
- Understand where the responsibilities of your cloud provider ends and where your security responsibilities begin
- Understand how data and workflows move between your network and the cloud service
- State and articulate where risks exist and who is securing the risks, and how they will be doing so
Follow your cloud provider’s guidelines
Some cloud providers will provide security standards, baselines or best practice on how to securely set up and use their cloud service. While it might be tempting to skip this advice, following their guidelines will help you out in the long-run. Just as cloud software adapts and change, so too will cloud risks. Keep on top of any updates and amendments to the security guidance.
Train employees
Involve your employees when creating a cybersecurity policy. This should involve the best practices you expect employees to follow, including procedures for keeping information safe, and protocols in the event of a data breach. It also helps to educate employees about the importance of keeping their accounts safe.
- Have them create strong, unique passwords
- Set up two-factor authentication if possible
- Keep them up to date on security tips
Limit user access
It goes without saying that unauthorised people shouldn’t be accessing your business’ computers of software. Even if they are a trusted person, they should not be granted access to unauthorised computers or information. It can help to restrict software access for employees of different ranks and positions. For example, in Unleashed Software you can allow users to access and/or edit different features. This helps keep data breaches to a minimum.
