In recent years, cloud storage has become an increasingly common way for individuals and businesses alike to store data and files. With its cost-effective accessibility, convenience, elasticity, and scalability, more businesses than ever have embraced cloud storage as their preferred way to store and manage data. However, with more data migrating to the cloud, businesses considering utilizing managed IT services for their data backups often have lingering questions about cloud storage security. In short, is cloud storage safe? If you’re entrusting sensitive data to a third-party service provider, this is a crucial question. Below, we’ll take the mystery out of cloud storage safety so that you can better understand how to make informed decisions about protecting your company’s data.
Understanding Cloud Storage Safety
Is cloud storage safe? To answer this question, it may be helpful to first explore how cloud storage works in the first place and why you might consider using it.
What Is the Cloud?
Cloud storage is a method of storing data on remote servers at an off-site location that you can then access by the internet or a dedicated private network connection. When you upload a file to cloud storage, it is stored on multiple servers in secure data centers. Cloud storage utilizes a network of servers that distribute and replicate your data across multiple locations, ensuring data availability. In other words, even if one server or data center experiences an issue, your data remains safe and accessible, allowing you to store, retrieve, or access your data at any time from any device with an internet connection.
- It’s cost-effective when compared to traditional on-premise storage methods like hard drives or storage networks. It eliminates the need for costly investments in in-house storage infrastructure.
- It allows you to scale storage capacity with your needs as they fluctuate over time. A significant upfront investment is not required.
- Cloud storage is useful for teams with members who need to collaborate while working in different locations. So long as they have an internet connection, everyone can access the data saved in the cloud.
- Cloud storage can reduce the risk of data loss through automatic backup and synching. Sometimes cloud storage services will even allow you to track changes made to files and revert to previous versions when needed. And if the worst should happen, cloud storage may be your lifeline during disaster recovery.
Understanding Cloud Security
But for all of its advantages, is cloud storage safe? It depends. Data stored in the cloud will generally be encrypted, meaning no one can access that data without the digital key. Still, no security system is entirely foolproof, which also applies to the cloud. That said, certain security system services can be implemented to help protect your company’s sensitive data and systems.
Cloud service providers employ various security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, loss, or corruption. These measures may include the following:
- Encryption techniques to protect your data, ensuring that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the servers, they will not be able to read or make sense of your files without the encryption key
- Robust firewalls and intrusion detection systems that monitor network traffic and block any suspicious activities or potential security breaches
- Granular access controls, which allow users to define who can access their data and what actions they can perform
- Data available across multiple servers and data centers, ensuring that even if one server or data center fails, your data remains accessible and intact
Tips for Ensuring Cloud Storage Security
While cloud storage providers take significant steps to ensure the security of your data, there are some additional measures you can take to enhance the safety of your cloud-stored information:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all cloud storage accounts
- Consider a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when offered
- Encrypt sensitive files before uploading to the cloud for additional security
- Keep software regularly updated
- Monitor account activity
- Choose a reputable cloud storage provider
- Get support from cybersecurity experts
CPI Technologies understands the importance of keeping your organization’s files and data safe and secure, protected from any potential data breach or cyber threat. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of network security services, including the following:
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR): Our endpoint protection software will monitor your network 24/7 to detect and respond to any potential threats in real-time
- Security Operations Center (SOC): Our SOC provides round-the-clock monitoring and analysis of your network to identify and respond to potential security threats
- Firewall management
- Vulnerability management
- Penetration testing
- Industry-specific compliance support
- Email threat protection
- Security awareness training, including phishing simulations
Our team of certified security professionals has the expertise and experience to keep your business safe from cyber threats. We use the latest tools and technologies to provide comprehensive protection for your network, systems, and data. To discover how we can help your company thrive, contact CPI Technologies today.
Since 1963, CPI Technologies has been offering IT services and office technologies custom-designed to meet the specific needs of our customers. Our services include Managed IT, Managed Print Services (MPS), Electronic Document Management (EDM), data backup, network security, VoIP phone systems, and more. We also offer top-of-the-line office equipment, including printers, scanners, fax machines, shredders, folders, collators, and all-in-ones. Let us show you how we can increase your office’s efficiency and productivity. To get started, please request a quote or call us at 866-858-4751.