A proper selection of a password is the first check against unauthorized access to your cloud storage account. Do not risk your account using basic passwords such as names or date of Birth. However, use a mix of letters within the upper and lower case, the numbers and symbols. Users should think about using a password manager to generate and store the passwords to that complicated passwords needed.
Securing Your Data in the Cloud
Cube authentication enhances security because it requires you to produce an ID for the second factor such as a phone. But even if the stranger guesses the password, he won’t be able to get into cloud storage without the second factor. This measure alone helps to greatly minimize the probability of identity theft.
Encrypting your files before uploading allows you to keep your information inaccessible even to a hacker who gets into your cloud account. To ensure data security apply the best encryption tools in handling of sensitive documents. Some cloud services also have integrated encryption options and it is always wise to inquire the amount of security given.
In other words the availability of security may vary from provider to provider. Make sure that you talk to the service over their security measures and policies. Stem within it should include features such as End to End encryption, backup and access permissions. They must indicate that they are in compliance with every data protection law that is relevant to your business and provide you with a positive track record of protecting users’ data.
In general, cloud storage is safe but copying the files is important occasionally. Continuing with the use of offline backups, safeguards your data in case of a breach or interruption of service to get back your vital data. Organizations should utilize both, cloud storage and physical storage as a way of boosting their security.
1. Choosing a Trusted Cloud Storage Service
To avoid losing your data or having it stolen, find a provider who has end-to-end-encryption, two-factor authentication etc. It has features that enables one to protect the data from undesirable personalities from accessing the data in your pc.
Cloud services require the user to review their privacy policies to meet the data protection required to use the service. Reputable sources provide information about how your information is treated and have a simple policy statement.
Choose cloud services that can prove to be a reliable and secure solution in terms of services. Popular services such as Google Drive and Dropbox in addition to One Drive are recognized for their stringent measures towards protecting customer’s data.
Tips:
- Read more about the privacy statement so that you can understand how your data is processed.
- Make sure the service you are going for possesses standard security compliance standards such as ISO, 27001/ SCA, and SOC 2.
2. Creating Strong Passwords for Cloud Security
Do not use your name, a phrase, a date or other obvious information for a password. Actually, simple passwords can be easily guessed, so strive for the opposite sortOrderable.
A good password is made of at least one upper case letter, one lower case letter, number and one or more special characters. The more the characters, the difficult it is for the attackers to penetrate through it.
For dealing with complicated passwords, customers can use a password manager. For instance, it stores and creates highly secure passwords which helps to avoid use of pathetic and persistent passwords across services.
Tips:
- Password should be at least 12 characters long.
- Password should be changed after a certain period of time.
- This is where you need to use a password manager for storing your passwords safely.
3. Boost Security with Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer to the protection of your account by asking for an additional code, received via, for example, text message. This extra measure cuts down the level of vulnerability of the site to unauthorized access.
For instance, even in the case that an attacker gains a person’s login credentials including his or her password, he or she cannot fully infiltrate the cloud storage. The second factor guarantees that only you can log in and there by ensuring that your data is secure.
All the cloud services help user configure 2FA with ease. You just have to turn it on in the account settings and connect your phone number or the app to protect your information.
How to Enable:
- Access the security of your cloud account.
- Turn on “Two Factor Authentication” with your phone number or by using Google Authenticator.
4. Encrypt Files for Extra Cloud Security
Encrypting your files before uploading them means that even if a third party intrudes your cloud they will not be able to understand your secrets.
When selecting encryption programs one should consider using only the software that provides powerful cryptographic algorithms. This one will ensure that your data is encrypted to a password or decryption key – an aspect of security that can’t be overlooked.
While most cloud services include encryption features themselves, it is possible to encrypt the files before their transfer to the cloud independently of any cloud service applications.
Tips:
- Therefore, take trustful encryption tools, for instance, VeraCrypt or Cryptomator.
- Securely store a copy of the encryption key which you have created.
5. Avoid Uploading Unnecessary Sensitive Information
While cloud services also provide significant security measures, one should be more careful dealing with such information. Only transfer sensitive data rarely – such as bank data, identification, and relevant documents, should be uploaded sparingly.
If you have to save your valued documents in cloud, make sure that they are encoded. Effective encryption increases the level of security around actual threats and makes it more difficult for the wrong person to try and get access to your files.
Cloud storage is very important and therefore one should always check on their settings and permissions to prevent loss. This will mean that the user must use encryption tools and two factor authentication for any important uploads in the tool.
Tips:
- Finally, it is recommended that, wherever possible, information is stored locally.
- If shared online, opt for a service provider who has high levels of security systems embedded.
6. Regularly Monitor Account Activity
Overarching attention to the Customer’s particular cloud account activity is also important for security threats identification all the time. Knowing these things can be achieved through reviewing of activity logs with a view of perhaps detecting any fooling around or unauthorized access.
Most cloud services come with alerts regarding such activities as log in from different locations or devices. These alerts may be useful if you want to take some action at the first sign of something being wrong with the device.
Be sure your cloud storage is protected; check for alerts and look through account logs often. Early detection of an anomaly enables you to prevent a potential threat early enough and reduce the chances of intrusion.
Steps to Check:
- In the security settings, look for “Sign-in Activity”.
- Allow for notification when account is tagged with high activity.
7. Use Automatic Backups
Computerized backups are important to safeguard various types of information in case of data loss. Through auto-save you guarantee that your files are constantly backed up without having to constantly remind yourself.
Many electronics gadgets and cloud services are capable of running backup tasks as routines normally scheduled. This makes your data always up and ready for use in case something like this happens is the future.
Having a plan backup can be helpful to avoid incident and it is reassuring to know that important information is secure and can easily be retrieve if lost
Tips:
- Backup your stores in a different physical location from where your cloud service is located.
- For any sensitive information that cannot be stored in the organization system, external storage devices such as hard drive or USBs must be used.
8. Avoid Public Networks for Accessing Cloud Data
Any public access Wi-Fi is very helpful but when using it, one is at high risk of losing or having ones cloud data stolen. Wireless connections allow the criminals to get hold of personal details, thus exposing your data.
Public networks should not be used for things such as accessing cloud storage or logging into other accounts. Instead, it accomplishes an opportunity to use a VPN that encrypts your connection and personal information.
Always use a safe, more preferably personal network connection while dealing with cloud data. By taking such a minor action, you can minimize the risk of your data being leaked greatly.
Tips:
- Whenever one is using data over public networks, he or she should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Do not use any work related information where you connect to a public internet connection.
9. Use Remote Wipe Features
If your gadget gets missing or is stolen, then all your personal information is easily exploitable. Most cloud services now include a feature for wiping the data clean remotely should you need to.
This means your device is always safe from any wrong hands, and any information that was on it will have been wiped off to safe your information.
Remember to enable remote wipe on your devices to ensure you get an extra security measure in cases of theft or losing of such devices. It is one of the best and most efficient methods of protecting your data.
Steps to Enable:
- Go to the setting of cloud account and turn on the key of “Remote Wipe”.
10. Review Connected Apps
Checking often the apps connected with your cloud account is how to make sure that your data is still safe. They added that some forms created by these apps have inherent security issues which can compromise your data.
Since OS X has built-in support for sharing data and functionality between apps, you can see which apps you have connected but don’t use or don’t trust. Retrieve authorization from any app or program not needed to access the portal in order to reduce vulnerability.
It is a good idea to take a few minutes managing connected apps on a regular basis occasionally. This single advancement can help eliminate a lot of difficulties with third actors and safeguard your cloud information against breaches.
Tips:
- If you keep track of the connected apps on your account, do this on a regular basis.
- Delete authorization for any of the applications not required or which are insecure.
If you follow these tips, you will be safeguarding your identities in cloud storage services and decreases the chances of having your data compromised.
