By now, it’s clear that cloud computing has transformed how businesses operate. But as with everything, the cloud has its downsides, especially when it comes to cyberthreats. When your cloud environment is poorly secured, you expose your company to so many risks that can torpedo and sink your business.
Well, relax. Securing your cloud environment is simpler than it may seem.
The 5-step checklist for securing your cloud environment
By following these five straightforward steps, you can significantly lower your risk.
1. Passwords and protection
Your password serves as the gateway to your cloud data. When you use weak passwords or use the same password across several (or all) accounts, it’s like you’re leaving your gate unlocked. You need to use strong and unique passwords keep your data secure. But don’t stop there.
Add another layer of protection with multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires an additional verification step, making access more difficult even if your password is stolen. You can ask any managed IT services provider (MSP) to set up MFA across all your business applications for an extra layer of protection.
2. Software and security patches
Hackers like to target older software because of its vulnerabilities. That’s why you need to keep your software up to date. While cloud service providers generally handle regular system updates, it’s equally important that you always update your connected applications, file-sharing services, and custom tools. To prevent missing critical patches, enable automatic updates.
For organizations managing numerous devices and users, it might be challenging to keep everything patched while avoiding interruptions during the update process. In such cases, it would be prudent to partner with an MSP.
3. Access permissions
File access should be monitored carefully. Only employees who require certain data to perform their roles should be granted access, while everyone else should be restricted. This aligns with the principle of least privilege: staff can use only the information and resources essential to their specific job responsibilities.
Always review employee permissions regularly. This is important, as changes will occur when employees leave the company or change roles.
Certain tools automatically log and report suspicious access attempts; these tools need to be configured when employee changes occur. Your MSP can monitor and update these tools for you.
4. Data encryption
With encryption, your data is rendered into a format that can only be read using a correct decryption key. With this security technique, even if someone intercepts the information, they cannot interpret it. Reputable cloud providers apply encryption both when data is stored on their servers (at rest) and when it’s being transmitted between systems (in transit). Companies should regularly confirm that these safeguards are active and consistently applied to all files.
You can add more layers of encryption should you want additional protection of highly sensitive information. An MSP can help set them up for you, making sure your operations won’t experience costly interruptions.
5. Data backups
No matter how many safeguards are implemented, unexpected incidents can still occur; that’s just part of doing business. Backups serve as a safety net for situations such as accidental file deletion, ransomware attacks, or data becoming inaccessible due to a system outage. Without backups, lost data can never be recovered.
That’s why it’s smart to use cloud-to-cloud backup (backing up your cloud data to another cloud service). If you encounter problems with one cloud provider, you’ll still be able to recover data from the other provider.
Backups must be regularly tested to ensure they won’t fail when you need them. Your MSP partner can help you in managing your backups; they can verify if your backups are recovery-ready at any time.
Partnering with an MSP makes all the difference
While the five steps outlined above are relatively simple, maintaining them on an ongoing basis can be difficult, particularly for startups or businesses with limited resources. Fortunately, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can collaborate with a reliable MSP such as Refresh Technologies. They have experts who can help by:
- Setting up and maintaining MFA across all systems
- Keeping every device up to date with security patches
- Monitoring for suspicious activity
- Configuring encryption and backup processes
- Offering rapid support in case of a breach or data loss
They’ll protect your cloud environment so you can focus on running your business.
If you’re ready to simplify your cloud security while boosting protection, contact us today. We’ll be glad to help you by tailoring solutions for your business.