By Michael Brown 1

It’s common for companies to be hesitant about the security of their data that has been placed into the cloud. So what's the best approach in ensuring the safety of a business’ data? Map out a specific strategy, of course. According to IT ProPortal, there are several specific areas that companies should consider when mapping out their security plan. Let's take a closer look at a few in particuliar.

Encryption of Sensitive Data

The encryption of sensitive data ensures that another company that stores their information in a cloud next to yours, doesn’t have access to your information. It’s essentially what makes the cloud the cloud.  However, if you want to be sure that your cloud is secure with your information your company will want to use a provider that gives your business the ownership of the encryption keys.  In having this ownership, you’ll know that you protect the corporation information that is within your cloud.

Compliance with Industry Regulations

Having your data compliant with industry regulations is a huge role in the security of your data within the cloud.

“This could mean complying with government impact levels here in the UK, or dealing with HIPAA requirements in the US….Ensuring that a cloud solution is compliant with those data restrictions will mean that your organisation will not be fined for non-secure data privacy practices.”

The Use of the Mobile

It’s important for companies to consider whether a cloud will be as secure on a mobile device as it is when accessed on a laptop.  Ensuring that the correct security precautions are taken across all connectivity devices is important when planning a specific security strategy within a company.  A company will want to know that access to the cloud is correct regardless whether the authorized persons log-in from a mobile device or an office computer.  The security of the cloud’s data needs to be the same all the way around.

Human Behavior

Regardless of how much planning and strategy goes into the technological side of ensuring a cloud’s security, it’s vital that companies acknowledge the potential for human error which could breach the security of the cloud.   As a result, companies will need to ensure that there are policies within the business outlining what people should do when using the cloud.  

For example, such policies could mean that employees may need to bring their own devices to work, in addition to explaining the risks of what could occur if the information in the cloud were to leak out.  This step is essentially educating the employees within a business so that you can work together as a team to create a secure cloud environment.

What other areas do you think are important in creating a secure cloud? Be sure to leave your insight in the comment section below!