The cloud is here to stay. A 2020 survey conducted by Statista found that about 50% of all corporate data is stored online, and that number is expected to increase exponentially.
If your business has already transitioned to a remote or hybrid setup, you likely use the cloud on a daily basis. Whether you’re accessing software, communicating with team members or reviewing client data, the cloud makes it possible to access all of the information you need from anywhere. The technology is undoubtedly convenient, but it also presents unique security risks. If a bad actor, like a hacker, manages to infiltrate your business’s cloud infrastructure, it could result in a breach of private information and a soiled reputation.
Though there’s no way to prevent cyberattacks entirely, there are a number of things you can do to protect your businesses’ data and your client’s information. Here are three tips to help you get started.
1.) Use strong passwords. Your password acts as the cloud’s first line of defense, so it needs to be good. Good passwords are long and difficult for someone else to remember. They should include a combination of letters (both lowercase and uppercase), numbers and symbols. Whenever you create a new password, write it down on a piece of paper. Store that piece of paper in a secure folder at the office or at home. You might also want to invest in a password manager. For tips on creating a strong password, check out this article from GCF.
2.) Manage access to shared files. If your team isn’t required to come into a central office, you likely use collaborative tools like Google Sheets, Wrike, or monday.com. These programs can increase efficiency and productivity, but they present risks you might not realize. When sharing internal documents, only give permissions to those who need them. When collaboration is finished, revert the permissions to their original settings. This will take a little bit of extra effort, but the peace of mind it provides is absolutely worth it.
3.) Sign out of your cloud accounts. Many of us are accustomed to staying “logged in” to our various online accounts. The practice is convenient and saves the five or 10 seconds it might take to enter a password manually. Unfortunately, if you stay logged in on a public computer or share your computer with others, people could access that information. Most cloud storage companies have a “log out” or “sign out” option on the menu bar at the top of the page.
By following these simple online security tips, you can protect private business and client information. If you want to enhance your security measures or increase your cloud storage abilities, reach out to us at any time. Call (763) 235-2000 or click here to visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you.