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Corporations and personal network users are increasingly opting to store files and work within the cloud instead of on hard drives.
However, not everyone knows when they’re cloud-based or have their feet on the ground. If you don’t maintain control over your information in the cloud, your sensitive data could be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Here are five tips to help you manage your privacy in the cloud.
1. Use Cloud Monitoring Software
Corporations that store significant amounts of sensitive information in the cloud should utilize a cloud monitoring program for maximum data security. Monitoring platforms provide real-time alerts to keep your IT department informed of any suspicious activity, increasing your chances of thwarting cyberattacks before they successfully breach your defenses.
The more sophisticated programs also provide detailed analysis after the attack is resolved to help you spot and correct any weaknesses in your online security.
2. Regular Backups
You know you’re using the cloud when you log into your Google Docs on your home computer, start a draft, then run out the door to catch the bus and open your email on your phone to finish the document you started at home. Your work is saved automatically because you’re using the cloud.
Most systems, like Google Drive, save multiple backup versions so you can access old changes and revert your current version to a historical one. Still, you should also back up your most important data on a hard drive. That way, if your cloud files become corrupted or compromised, you’ll still have access to the copies.
3. Encryption
Encryption converts data into ciphertext that’s more difficult to understand and decode. Many cloud services use encryption methods to secure information stored there from cybercriminals.
Data encryption can include:
- Consistent security updates
- Artificial intelligence as another layer of protection
- Built-in firewalls
- Redundant backups
- Third-party security tests
- Two-factor authentification
4. Set User Permissions
To ensure that not everyone in the office can view, edit, or download sensitive data, it’s highly recommended to apply strict user permissions to your cloud storage. This helps project owners to determine how hands-on or hands-off they and their teams are on projects so the tasks are assigned and distributed appropriately and contributors don’t overstep.
5. Exclude Personal Data
One of the best ways to avoid a breach in your data on the cloud is not to upload it in the first place. Even though AI and other security measures are fairly robust, encryption isn’t always perfect, and breaches are possible with the most secure systems. If your personal data doesn’t necessarily need to be shared, don’t.
Exclude your personal data in your uploads to the cloud by cutting, erasing, or blacking-out sensitive information on documents that you upload. This can include your name, address, social security number, and likeness.
While it can be tempting to save your login information where you’ll be able to access them quickly, you should never upload documents containing passwords and account login information. Write it down on a piece of paper instead.
Delete front pages and other documents that contain personal contact details that aren’t relevant in the data storage. The fewer personal details about you on the internet, the fewer chances cybercriminals will have to steal your identity.
The Bottom Line
As your networks grow, so does your sharing, and the sensitivity with which you share shouldn’t be a worry. The cloud is universal, and predicting, controlling, and optimizing the costs of sharing there can be a challenge.
Follow these recommendations to strategize the privileges you share with others on the cloud and manage your privacy to protect your business’s bottom line and yourself.
