Is Cloud Storage Safe? Only With Proper Cyber Security

Consumers are often suspicious of things they can't see. Cloud security is one of those things. With all the media emphasis on protecting privacy and private data, using cloud storage requires a certain leap of faith for the average user. However, businesses appear to have taken that leap, because more than 90% of companies store most of their workload in the cloud. But cloud security isn't perfect. Serious cyber security threats exist, and SMBs need to take the necessary action to protect against them.

Q: What is network and cloud security, and why is it important?

A: It’s a set of policies, technologies and controls used to protect data, applications and infrastructure in cloud computing environments. For small businesses, cloud security is crucial because it helps ensure sensitive company and customer information stored online remains safe from unauthorized access, data breaches and cyberattacks. Since small businesses may lack extensive IT resources, relying on secure cloud for small business helps maintain trust, comply with regulations and reduce the risk of costly security incidents.

What Are the Basic Types of Network and Cloud Security?

There are three different models for cloud computing and storage models, and each one requires additional cyber security responsibilities. Your cyber security provider can help you choose the right system for your small or midsized business:

• SaaS Cloud Computing – With SaaS (software-as-a-service) cloud computing, the cloud provider has primary responsibility for the security of everything from the storage infrastructure to the applications. In this instance, the business customer is responsible for data security and application access
• IaaS Cloud Computing – For the IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service) cloud model, the service provider manages and secures data centers, network interfaces, facilities, hypervisors and processing. The customer is responsible for managing the virtual machines and network, operating systems, applications, middleware, interfaces and data
• PaaS Cloud Computing – The PaaS (platform-as-a-service) model adds more responsibility to the provider. In this instance, the service provider has all the responsibilities of the IaaS model but is also responsible for the virtual network and machines, the middleware and the operating system. The cloud customer is responsible for application management and security for all interfaces and data

Q: How can small businesses ensure their data is protected in the cloud?

A: They can protect their cloud-stored data by choosing reputable cloud service providers that offer strong encryption, multifactor authentication and regular security audits. It's also important to manage user access carefully, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or edit sensitive data. Regularly backing up data and training staff on cyber security best practices can further reduce the risk of data loss or compromise.

What Are the Risks of the Cloud for a Small Business?

Hackers typically rely on phishing emails, stolen passwords and malware to pilfer your information. One of the most common cloud security threats arises through identity and access management (IAM). IAM threats include stolen credentials, stolen accounts, use of credentials by company insiders and many areas of unauthorized access. Cybercriminals steal account credentials and then use them in a variety of ways. For example:

• Selling the Accounts – Many third parties are ready to purchase your credentials and, thereby, access your accounts
• Exploiting Directly – Cybercriminals can direct funds to offshore accounts
• Launching Ransomware Attacks – With your log-in credentials, they can breach your network and launch a denial-of-service attack. This type of ransomware attack can deliver a death blow to a small or midsized business. Very few can survive extended downtime of business operations along with paying ransom money, regulatory fines and legal fees
• Reading, Changing and Deleting Data – Once malicious actors have stolen your cloud access credentials, they can share or sell your data. They can also access system controls and steal other company credentials such as financial account logins

Comprehensive layers of cyber security are crucial to protecting your company’s cloud-computing platform. Unfortunately, network security is no longer contained within the four walls of an office but instead exists in a vast cyber universe that is unfamiliar to most business owners, leaving them asking: Is cloud storage safe?

Expansive protections are required to lock down your business data. SMBs cannot risk do-it-yourself approaches to cloud security. Instead, they need to use IT experts to provide a cyber risk analysis that will assess the vulnerabilities across their systems and help them design the best layers of security to protect the business data stored in the cloud. High-compliance companies, obligated by law to protect client data, can face ongoing lawsuits, increased regulatory scrutiny and damaged reputation if their data is breached.

Case Study

When it first opened 15 years ago, a multi-office medical practice outside New York City hired an in-office IT employee. At the time, the IT staffer’s knowledge and experience seemed more than sufficient to protect the practice’s clinical and patient data and keep things running. However, as time went on, the IT guy didn’t stay on top of changing cyber security protocols and left outdated and insufficient protections in place.

One of the doctors arrived early Monday morning to begin work, only to find that she was locked out of the practice network. A threatening and unfamiliar message appeared on her screen. The practice had been attacked by ransomware. Although the practice survived the malicious breach, the costs related to clearing malware, securing the system notifying patients and dealing with their damaged reputation from the breach far exceeded what it would’ve cost to adequately protect the network before the attack.

Q: What should a small business look for when choosing a cloud storage provider?

A: Prioritize providers that offer strong security measures such as end-to-end encryption, compliance with industry standards (such as GDPR or HIPAA) and robust access controls. It's also wise to review the provider’s history of handling security incidents and its customer support responsiveness. Transparent data policies, reliable uptime and scalability are additional factors to consider, ensuring that the provider can grow with the business while keeping data secure.

Is Cloud Storage Safe for Small Businesses?

Cloud for small business can be safe if there’s enough consideration given to network and cloud security. IT security companies specialize in preventing data breaches and have the expertise to help protect your SMB against cyber threats targeting your industry sector. They offer an array of solutions and can provide cyber awareness training to further secure confidential client, employee or patient data. Connect with us in New York City or contact a local cyber security firm to make sure your business can protect the data it collects and stores.