Cloud computing has altered the landscape of technology in more ways that we could imagine. People now find it amazingly easy to store and manage their data in the cloud, access it anytime and from anywhere with just a few clicks of the mouse.
While this has definitely made life a lot easier, some security risks continue to question the viability of data security in the cloud.
Businesses and individuals alike are sceptical about many aspects of cloud computing, be it loss of sensitive data, dangers of malware infections, hacking of accounts, interface hacking, abuse of cloud service and so on. There are however ways to make our cloud experience risk-free in most cases.
Here are some effective tips to secure your data in the cloud;
Back Up Data Locally
If you want to secure your data in the cloud, the first important rule is to get a back-up of your data locally. With electronic copies of data by your side, you can still access them even if there is any security risk or data loss or cases of corrupted files happen.
Second think, you can also manually back up the data in an external drive or device so that you can not only minimize cloud risks but can also access the data in case of no internet connectivity.
Don’t Ever Store Sensitive Information
Look, nothing is safe and secure on the internet. You should better not be seeking total real privacy on the web. All data, all information and fines could be vulnerable to cyber threats and hacking risks, no matter how much secure you have kept them.
Plus, there is always the risk of identity theft. So, to minimize all that risk, it’s better not to store your top-secret files and sensitive information in the cloud. Even if you have to put such details, make sure you have them encrypted to increase their safety net.
Look for Local Encryption of Your Data
With risks to files and data to prominent on the web, it’s always a sensible move to choose cloud services that encrypt data.
This will ensure an extra layer of security and defence to your data since encrypted data needs decryption for access. Plus, this steps could also keep your data safe from admins and service providers and that’s why you should benefit from that.
Similarly, you would be better off in cases where the cloud service you have chosen also does encryption with the upload and download phase.
Use A Third-Party Tool for Encryption
There are some high-quality third-party tools to encrypt data individually and shun reliance on cloud service providers. This will give you total independence when it comes to keeping the data and files protected.
You can apply passwords and secret key sequences to the files before putting them on the cloud. This precautionary step is still a good idea even if your cloud service offers encryption option. You can feel confident at having secured the file through own measures.
Use a Strong Password
It’s your password that will stand guard between your data and hacking attempts on the cloud. Using weak and easily guessable keywords means you are just giving in to the trap set by hackers out there to steal your data for malicious gains.
So, you should also set a strong and unique password by using a combination of numbers, letters and special characters. It’s also advised to keep changing your password frequently to avoid risks to them. Having a two-step verification for the login can also bring down risks considerably.
Use Anti-Virus & Anti-Spy for Your Computer System
Even having a secure cloud service can’t help much when the problem is with the computer system you’re logging in from.
Most of us don’t bother to provide proper security and protection to our system and this is how our network is exposed to viruses and bugs that help hackers to find a way in.
Hackers can embed malicious software into your files in a big to hack into user ID and password. That’s why you need to protect the system fully and keep the login fully secured and encrypted.
Be Wary of Your Online Behaviour
In some cases, it’s your online behaviour that determines the security and protection of your cloud data. The way you use public networks and systems and computers can prove the difference between a secure and compromised cloud experience.
Behaviours like saving your password on a public computer and not logging out properly are risky and can lead to compromise with your cloud data. Similarly, using open and un-secured wi-fi hotspots in public places is also fraught with risks and you should avoid that.
Author Bio:
Akshay Sharma is a social media marketing enthusiast and has written many topics in the related field. He loves to write and read about the latest technology trends. He works with Mind Digital Group – an independent digital company providing Offshore Web Development services in India.