Collecting data requires space to store it. Stationary private PCs or corporate servers are only sometimes up to the task. Let's see how secure cloud storage is.

What Is the Cloud and Why Does Data Security Matter?

The concept of cloud-based data storage can be explained in various ways. First, it represents a service offered by an Internet service provider (ISP) or third party. Second, it acts as a virtual storage space, accessible to businesses or individual users after creating an account and connecting to the server. Third, it is a data processing model facilitated by software provided by the service provider.

Remote storage is an alternative to traditional storage media (hard drives, servers, or external storage devices). Its key advantage lies in enabling access to stored information from any location worldwide. And as we know, cloud-based storage is secure.

The functioning of this technology depends on the Internet to allow users to upload, view, process, and download data on the server. Users must log into their accounts to access the files.

The principle of cloud computing is simple.

  • Any company that has large and fast servers with access to the Internet with sufficient computing power can rent space.
  • This service is usually related to e-mail or the operating system and includes certain service packages.
  • If the remote capacity is too small, the service provider usually offers the option to buy additional server space. The subscription fee is usually small.
  • The advantage of using cloud computing data storage is access to data from worldwide. You can sign in to your account using any mobile device: a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

The user does not need to invest in this system. Any safety of cloud storage failure or breach is a problem for the service provider to resolve. Unsecured data can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, loss, or unauthorized access, putting users or organizations at risk of reputational and financial loss. To store information and be able to use it, you only need the appropriate software, from a software development company.

Top Advantages of Storing Data on the Cloud

  • More storage space. The capacity of any physical device does not limit cloud storage. You can store more data without worrying about memory upgrades.
  • Better scalability. There is a business with variable resource requirements. The cloud allows you to scale up flexibly and down the amount of RAM, virtual machines, disks, and more as needed.
  • Organization of remote work. Employees can connect to services anywhere and from any gadget, facilitating better interaction between remote teams.
  • Saving. Renting cloud resources eliminates the need to purchase equipment and reduces capital costs. These funds can be directed to business development and conquest of new markets.
  • Backup and disaster recovery. It is possible to implement backup and recovery solutions cost-effectively and hassle-free.

The selection of a cloud, where to store corporate data, must be approached seriously. You need to conduct a market analysis and look for a company with a good reputation, where cloud storage is secure. Advantages of storing data remotely on a proven service:

  • Verified providers use modern security measures: encryption, threat detection systems, and access control. This minimizes the risks of cyber-attacks and unauthorized access to your data;
  • Reliable companies adhere to international safety standards. This is important for businesses dealing with sensitive information or in regulated industries.
  • Authoritative providers provide a high level of data availability with minimal downtime (99.9% or more). The company will work even during peak loads.
  • Good companies offer prompt technical support, so you quickly solve any problems.
  • Verified providers ensure the compatibility of remote solutions with the existing systems of your business, which simplifies their implementation and use.

Common Risks of Storing Data on the Cloud

Having decided on the concept of the cloud, let's consider the possible threats of cloud computing

Threats to cloud security can be external (disasters or physical threats) and internal. Some cannot be prevented, but the consequences can be minimized (locating the data center in a favorable place to prevent natural disasters). If you approach the choice of a service provider and study its reputation, then you are unlikely to face risks.

Data Breaches

A distant data breach occurs when sensitive information becomes available to third parties without permission. This may concern the personal data of customers, financial information, trade secrets, or corporate documents. Such incidents are often related to cyberattacks, internal errors, or technical failures. Then, are cloud services secure? The main causes of occurrence: are inadequate protection of accounts, cyberattacks, vulnerabilities in software, and incorrect configuration of systems.

Insider Threats

Internal threats in the cloud environment include risks arising from improper actions or negligence of employees, contractors, or other persons with access to corporate data. These include accidental deletion of data, malicious actions, or unauthorized access to confidential information. The main causes of occurrence: are human factors, malicious actions, excessive access to data, and poor protection of devices.

Shared Responsibility Model

The most common form of storing information on the cloud is the shared responsibility model. The model is based on a simple logic: the cloud provider controls everything in its area of ​​responsibility, and the user as well. Data security responsibilities are also distributed. The cloud provider is responsible for the system on which the services work: physical security of data centers, protection of the network infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of services. The client, in turn, is responsible for control of access rights to accounts, setting of safety policies in cloud storage, and protection of gadgets used to access the cloud.

How Cloud Providers Ensure Data Protection

Moving data to the cloud, and rejecting the local IT structure, create the illusion of losing control over the system and its security. Cloud services allow for providing a higher level of data protection. Security of data in the cloud and its protection is a complex of measures, the development and implementation of which is carried out in partnership between the client and the cloud provider.

Encryption Standards

  • Encryption is the process of converting data into an encrypted format that makes it inaccessible to outsiders without the appropriate decryption key. Talking about how secure is the cloud, this is important to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. The main encryption standards used by providers are AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), TLS (Transport Layer Security), RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman), SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm), End-to-End Encryption (E2EE).
  • Cloud providers use TLS or SSL to protect data transmitted between the user and the cloud service, and use modern key management systems (Key Management Systems, KMS). Thanks to encryption combined with multifactor authentication, only authorized users will be able to access data.

Physical Security of Data Centers

The data center should be a separate one-story building, taking into account all the requirements regarding the location. The building should be located in a flat area, away from reservoirs, tunnels, industrial facilities, airports, etc. The safety and reliability of the data center are confirmed by audit and certification. A component of physical data center security is cameras and perimeter security. You will not enter the data center unnoticed, you must have the appropriate documents with you.

Technologies Enhancing Cloud Security

  1. The Zero Trust Security model radically changes the approach to secure cloud data storage, completely abandoning the concept of "trusted". Now it doesn't matter whether it's a user, a device, or an application. The system works on the principle that a potential threat is inside your security network, even though you haven't discovered it yet. This assumption is close to reality in many cases. According to the principles of ZTS, access to resources is granted only after thorough verification. All users, whether they are inside or outside the organization's network, must be authenticated. The configuration and security status of the devices they use are checked. Access to applications or data is granted only after successful completion of these procedures.
  2. Multi-Factor Authentication: the key to system security. The essence of MFA is that to log in or perform a transaction, the user must go through authentication steps. Most often, this is a combination of a password and one or two additional pieces of data, a security token generated on the device or biometric verification (fingerprint, facial recognition). Using more than three data is rare. It is difficult to implement so that it remains convenient.
  3. Artificial intelligence is a new assistant for detecting cloud computing safety threats. Modern cyber threats are becoming more complex, and traditional methods of detection no longer provide sufficient efficiency. In this context, artificial intelligence technologies come to the fore. Artificial intelligence is used to analyze large volumes of data, detect anomalies, and predict possible attack vectors. He is also developing ways to quickly counter cybercriminals who use AI themselves. Thanks to deep data analysis and the ability to work with context, AI systems can quickly find hidden patterns that remain unnoticed by humans, creating secure cloud-based storage.

Compliance and Regulations: What You Need to Know

Compliance is the organization's work with certain rules, standards, and regulations. In the context of cloud computing, this means complying with requirements for data storage, processing, and transmission, ensuring privacy, and protecting information.

Basic standards and rules you need:

  1. European Data Protection Regulation – GDPR. It requires companies to ensure users' rights, including the right to data deletion, transparent storage, and use of information.
  2. The HIPAA standard, which regulates the processing of data in the field of health care, ensures the confidentiality of medical data.
  3. SOC 2 is a standard that sets requirements for cloud providers for protection cloud storage and its security

Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can cause serious damage to the organization. Among the possible consequences are significant financial penalties, the outflow of customers, and damage to the reputation. To minimize these risks, organizations should prioritize compliance and take the necessary steps to comply with all applicable regulations. When choosing distant services, you should make sure that the provider complies with all the necessary norms and standards to provide security on cloud storage.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Data in the Cloud

Data protection in the cloud environment is a combination of modern technologies and responsible actions. By following these practical tips, you can keep your information safe.

  • Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication;
  • Back up your data regularly;
  • Encrypt your data;
  • Control access to data;
  • Check the reliability of the cloud provider;
  • Update your software;
  • Use monitoring and alerts;
  • Conduct regular security audits.

Future of Cloud Data Security

Cloud technologies continue to open up many new perspectives and pose new challenges. What trends are expected in the future:

  1. The future of cloud technologies is seen in hybrid models that combine private and public clouds.
  2. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into cloud technologies will open up new opportunities for processes.
  3. The main issue – cloud-based storage security Encryption technologies, and biometric technologies in the field of cybersecurity will evolve.

Conclusion

Data security on a remote server is a priority for all parties. Mostly everything depends on the provider you choose. It is worth choosing a proven cloud data storage system, where the service will follow all regulations, and security protocols, and you will be able to develop your company with modern technologies.