For a long time, the cloud was considered the “wave of the future.” But the future has arrived. A great cloud storage solution not only allows your employees access to files anytime, anywhere—it also makes it simple to sync files, work on the go, and share and coauthor documents with ease. However more than 50% of organizations find cloud storage to be the riskiest cloud app category.
A big reason for that? Security threats. Despite all the data out there showing the cloud to be just as or more secure as on-premises storage, security remains the top barrier to cloud adoption, according to the Cloud Security Alliance. That’s why cloud security is one of the top concerns for providers—and why they spend so much capital making sure their products are secure. In fact, by 2019, the global cloud security market alone will have reached an estimated $8.71 billion.
Still, not all cloud storage providers are created equal, especially when it comes to security. Even though it’s important to get a “good deal” on your enterprise cloud solution, it’s more important to ensure the security of your data. When researching cloud storage providers, be on the lookout for those that exhibit the following red flags—and avoid them like the plague:
[list style=”bullet”][li]No solid reputation—In this business, like many others, reputation is key. If a no-name company is offering a great price, make sure to investigate testimonials, recent downtime, experience, breadth of services, etc. before signing a contract. Also, remember that a smaller company might not have the capacity to manage your load, give your organization the attention you need or even be in business in five years’ time.[/li][li]Non-HTTPS site—An HTTPS site is essential for proper security, because it secures any requests for personal information, such as forms. In addition, sites not encrypted with HTTPS allow for easy interception of login credentials. If your login credentials are discovered, hackers can access your files, steal your data and do a lot of internal damage.[/li][li]Other security protocols missing—Any decent enterprise cloud storage provider will offer certain protocols, including encryption, which ensures the only people who can access your company’s data are those with proper login credentials. You’ll want a high level of encryption, such that your data won’t be compromised by prying eyes even if the cloud storage provider comes under legal action.[/li][li]Weak privacy statement—When comparing online cloud storage providers, ask yourself, “How committed are they to protecting my data?” Find a service with a strong privacy statement, one that doesn’t give permission for that service to browse your files. Some are more stringent than others. Determine what is acceptable for your organization’s needs and choose wisely.[/li][li]No mention of compliance standards—Meeting compliance standards and obtaining industry certifications demonstrate a provider’s capabilities and offer proof of reliable security. Looking at these certifications and met standards is an objective way of comparing each provider. Examples of compliance standards include ISO 27001, HIPAA, FERPA, FISMA, SSAE 16, PMI and more.[/li][li]Vague service agreements—A cloud storage provider’s service agreements should offer enough transparency that you truly know what you’re getting. A provider should make clear commitments about what security controls it has in place, where data resides and who manages the underlying technology. How can you trust providers to protect your data if they won’t tell you how they plan on doing it?[/li][/list]
There is no one-size-fits-all cloud storage solution. Every organization has different needs, and these needs should be reflected in your choice of an enterprise cloud provider. Whatever your solution and whoever your provider, though, security should remain at the top of your list of considerations.
FAQs
How can businesses identify secure cloud storage solutions?
Businesses can identify secure cloud storage solutions by reviewing a provider’s security certifications, encryption standards, compliance policies, and service-level agreements. Evaluating the cloud data protection solutions used by the provider, along with its reputation and history of reliability, can also help ensure strong data security.
How can organizations strengthen their cloud data protection strategies?
Organizations can strengthen their cloud data protection strategies by implementing strong access controls, using encrypted storage platforms, performing regular security audits, and working with trusted cloud providers that prioritize security and compliance.
What role do cloud data protection strategies play in cloud storage security?
Effective cloud data protection strategies include regular data backups, encryption protocols, access control policies, and disaster recovery planning. These strategies ensure that business data remains secure, recoverable, and protected from potential threats.
Why are cloud security solutions essential for modern organizations?
Cloud security solutions are essential because businesses rely heavily on cloud platforms for file sharing, collaboration, and data management. Strong security measures help protect sensitive data, maintain compliance with regulations, and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
What are the most common cloud storage security risks?
Some common risks include weak authentication controls, unsecured APIs, data breaches, poor access management, and insufficient encryption. Businesses should carefully evaluate cloud providers and follow cloud storage security best practices to ensure proper security controls are in place to mitigate these risks.
