- Cloud data protection is the practice of securing a company’s data in a cloud environment, wherever that data is located.
- To protect your data in the cloud, you can configure backup and recovery options, encrypt your data and establish user permissions.
This article will introduce the definition, benefits and methods of cloud data protection.
What is cloud data protection?
Cloud data protection is the practice of securing a company’s data in a cloud environment, wherever that data is located, whether it’s at rest or in motion, and whether it’s managed internally by the company or externally by a third party. This practice has gained significance as more companies transition from constructing and maintaining their own data centres to housing their applications and data in the cloud.
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Benefits of cloud data protection
When using the cloud for storing data and accessing critical services, several recommended practices ensure data security and prevent unauthorised access and potential leaks.
1. Data backup
Regularly backing up data and storing replicas in different locations is crucial to avoid data loss. This process can be automated on a scheduled basis to mitigate risks during system failures or outages, safeguarding data stored in the cloud.
2. Assessing integrated security
Cloud service providers should offer robust security tools, internal protocols, and control mechanisms to continuously protect data. Transparency regarding compliance standards and certifications ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and enhances trust between providers and clients.
3. Implementing file-level encryption
Employing file-level encryption adds an additional layer of security for cloud-based services. This approach involves fragmenting data or generating shards stored in diverse locations, minimisng vulnerabilities and enhancing overall system resilience against breaches.
How to protect your data in the cloud?
Here are the top ways to keep your data secure in the cloud:
1. Configure backup and recovery options
Even with today’s advanced technology, there’s always a risk of encountering technical issues or human errors. Therefore, setting up robust backup solutions is crucial. Losing critical data can cause significant disruption and financial losses, impacting customer satisfaction. Most systems now support multiple database versions, allowing data recovery from specific points in time. This ensures peace of mind against system crashes or accidental deletions, safeguarding essential business information.
2. Encrypt your data
Encryption converts information into secret codes, enhancing cloud data security by making it challenging for hackers to access sensitive data. Encrypted data, known as ciphertext, requires advanced cryptographic skills to decipher, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorisd access. Implementing encryption adds an additional security layer, protecting data from various threats and ensuring confidentiality.
3. Establish user permissions
Not all employees require access to every dataset. Organisations should establish user permissions based on hierarchical roles to prevent unintended modifications to critical data. Properly managing permissions minimises risks associated with inappropriate access, ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency. Many companies have faced issues stemming from overly permissive or disorganised access controls, highlighting the importance of structured user permissions.
