While the increasing popularity of Cloud computing spreads throughout the corporate space, the platform still encompasses some confusing elements for professionals and consumers alike. As a Cloud service provider, we feel it’s important for our readers to recognize that Cloud doesn’t have to be so confusing, and that it’s actually a tremendously helpful tool when presented in straightforward terms. Our new series, ‘Cloud Simplified’ seeks to remove the veil of confusion and show you how to leverage the cloud with quick and easy tips. Today, we’ll look at some easy ways to keep your Cloud Data safe:

1)      Loose Lips Sink Ships

We’ve all heard this warning at some point in our lives, designed to relate the consequences of sharing secrets. Perhaps one of the most important rules of Cloud data security is to be vigilant about keeping credentials (and other sensitive data) secret and only sharing these details with appropriate parties. There are many security breaches at that could happen at no fault of your own regardless of your best efforts, but this one falls squarely on you, so be mindful always!

2)      Good Credentials

The username / password combination for private, secure access has been around a long time because it’s simple and effective. Usually the only time accounts or assets are breached when protected by passwords is because they’re not secure enough or the attacker found out what the credentials were (see #1). So the best way to leverage your password protection is to choose complex, impossible-to-guess passwords and use different credentials for every service or site.

3)      One More Question

Security is so important on Cloud based services that it’s often best to include one additional personalized barrier to entry: The Security Question. You probably already use security questions on your banking website, Paypal or even Facebook. Make sure your Cloud systems are configured with a solid security question that’s easy for you, but impossible to guess for anyone else.  Especially avoid ‘multiple choice’ type questions such as birthdays and other occasions. Sure, 365 possible answers seems like a lot, but in the realm of hacking and cracking, that’s a very limited number.

4)      Multi-Factor Authentication

While passwords and security questions are good measures for protecting your Cloud services and data, sensitive material should be secured with additional defenses. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) puts into place one more ‘lock on the door’. Once you’ve entered your login information and answered your security question, an MFA system would then send you a code to your email or phone which you must enter at the prompt in order to gain access. This prevents attackers from getting in even if they’ve managed to crack your password and security question.

5)      Beware of Your Surroundings

One of the greatest things about the Cloud is that you can access it from virtually anywhere there’s an internet connection. But this can also present a vulnerability risk. Your home and office probably have secure networks and you’ve got extra protective measures and privacy protocols in place. But what about when you’re on the go? Using public computers and unsecured wi-fi to connect to your secure Cloud services can be dangerous. This is especially true for applications where you’re using the Cloud for file sharing or as an FTP Replacement. You also run the additional risk of others around you in public watching your actions. Just be constantly vigilant if you must access your Cloud assets while off site.

6)      “At Least There’s a Backup”

In the unfortunate event that, despite all your best efforts, there’s still a breach, you will want to still be able to speak those very words. Once your Cloud data and services are in place and secure, your next step is to back up everything on there. If some heinous hacker pokes through to your systems and steals everything, losses that weren’t backed up could prove incredibly costly. Even if you’re storing everything on a hard drive that sits unplugged collecting dust in a locked computer closet at the office, still…”At least there’s a backup.”