Securing Your Data in the Cloud - Best Practices for Cloud Security

A new data breach is reported on an almost daily basis. Keeping sensitive customer information safe is paramount – and it begins with a focus on cloud security.

The cloud has changed the way we work. It allows us to access networks and systems in real time, from anywhere, off any device. It gives us more access to valuable data and insights than ever before. Critically, it allows businesses like Sasfin to offer cloud-based platforms, such as B//YOND to our customers.

However, as more and more businesses move their data and applications to the cloud, it is important for us to be aware of the risks and best practices for securing cloud data.

Cloud security is a shared responsibility between the cloud provider and the customer, so it is important for everyone to understand their role in keeping sensitive data secure.

 What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security is the practice of protecting data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud from unauthorised access, theft, or other malicious attacks.

Cloud providers are responsible for securing the infrastructure that runs their services, while Sasfin is responsible for securing our data and applications. This means that at Sasfin, we must ensure that our employees are aware of best practices for securing data in the cloud.

Mitigating The Risks of Cloud Security

One of the biggest risks associated with cloud computing is the potential for data breaches. In a cloud environment, data is stored on servers owned by third-party providers, and it is accessed over the internet.

This means that there are multiple points of potential vulnerability in the system, including the data centre where the servers are located, the internet connection used to access the data, and the devices used to access the data. This gives sophisticated cybercriminals the opportunity to gain access to cloud data by exploiting vulnerabilities in the system, phishing attacks, or through stolen login credentials.

Once a cybercriminal has access to the system, they can steal sensitive information, such as customer data or financial information, which can be used for fraudulent purposes.

At Sasfin, we implement the following best practices for cloud security to protect customer information and to reduce the risk of security breaches. Through regular training, our employees are aware of the best practices for cloud security. These include:

1. Strong passwords: Employees should use strong, complex passwords that are difficult to guess. Passwords should be at least 8 characters long and should include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to cloud login credentials. This means that employees must enter a code sent to their phone or email in addition to their password to access the system.
3. Regular updates: Cloud providers often release updates to their systems to address security vulnerabilities. Employees should ensure that they are installing these updates as soon as they become available to reduce the risk of security breaches.
4. Security policies: Employees should be aware of the security policies of their cloud provider and should ensure that they are following them. This can include policies around data retention, access controls, and encryption.
5. Backups: Regular backups of important data can help to mitigate the impact of a security breach. If data is lost or stolen, having a backup can help to quickly restore the system and reduce downtime.

Security first

Cloud security is an important issue for businesses and our employees. By following best practices for securing cloud data, employees can help to reduce the risk of security breaches and protect the integrity of the system.

It is important for us to keep our staff and clients up to date on the latest threats and therefore we continue to provide regular training and awareness to ensure that we are informed on the risks and best practices for cloud security.

Take Control of Your Cloud Security Today

Read more on how you can protect your business and safeguard your digital assets with cloud security.