Storing data in the cloud seems like a secure way to keep information under lock and key — but is it? Is anyone keeping watch over the data that are generated daily? If no one is monitoring access and use of your data in the cloud, you could be asking for trouble. Discover more about three potential problems and solutions when dealing with data security in the cloud.
When Data Isn’t Locked Down
Someone needs to watch what’s going on in the cloud. If no one is actively monitoring cloud usage, or if someone is working only part-time hours on monitoring, the potential for abuse increases. Maybe a few people shared login information because they couldn’t handle constant requests to access a specific data set — or perhaps the password hasn’t changed in a while, and everyone has access to the cloud. In either situation, you’ll have a difficult time knowing who has access to what data and what someone is doing with them.
Segregate data into a folder and give access only to the people who need access. Log IP addresses of all users and investigate when a new IP address appears in your logs. Change the access password regularly and make sure that those who need access have the login information.
You’ll also want to be sure you have a clear and concise method to visualize data in the cloud.
No Defense Against Hacking
Criminal hackers use a variety of tools to access passwords. These frauds often use social engineering to convince an employee that they need login information — or simply use dictionary attacks to find weak passwords. These are the most common issues that businesses face, for employees often feel that they’ll get into trouble if they refuse to give information to someone who seems legitimate.
Create an internal identification verification routine for employees to use. Also have employees use a password that uses capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If employees write down their passwords, make sure they store these passwords securely.
Failure to Test the Systems for Stress Points
You can access the cloud in several ways — through a Web page, an API, or a server login. All these routes are portals to the information in the cloud, and all can be potential weak spots in your security defenses. If you fail to test these systems and ones related to the cloud for stress points, hackers could find their way to the files you store in the cloud.
Take the time to find any potential exploits in your access points, retaining experts who are familiar with the latest methods of database hacking if necessary. Do note that stress testing need be done only once unless you make changes to the systems.
These scenarios represent some of the potential problems that storing data in the cloud poses. Above all, monitor all forms of security so that you know which people have access to which data — and when and where those people have access to them. Spending time now means not having to spend much more time later repairing the damage after the hacker attacks.