There’s no way we could go through life without receiving a few tips along the way. My favorite include, “You can double the battery life on your phone by putting it DOWN,” and “When life gives you lemons, take them because free stuff is awesome!” We’ve all heard our fair share of life advice, but what about when it comes to the cloud? Cloud storage is rapidly expanding, but organizations could be at risk if they’re not taking proper security measures.
It’s no surprise that security breaches are on the rise, and every industry seems to be a target. Security breaches can be much more preventable if we take necessary precautions. The best way to prevent an attack is to start at the source by choosing a trusted cloud provider. Below are four cloud security tips to keep in mind when choosing a cloud provider:
1. Physical Security
- Where are my documents stored?
- Who has access to them?
- Who is protecting them?
Moving your information to the cloud means storing your information on someone else’s server. This can seem scary because that means properly securing your valuable information is out of your control. Picking a trusted vendor to properly protect your information is essential, because it’s not just your information at risk – it’s also your customers’ information.
Knowing what sort of physical security measures are utilized at your vendor’s facilities is also important. They should have surveillance cameras and alarms covering the entire grounds. It’s also a good idea to have hardware protected by using separate cages and locking cabinets.
2. Network Security
- What type of network infrastructure is my host using?
- What is their network intrusion monitoring policy?
Your cloud provider should be monitoring network infrastructure components and services 24/7 for routing, switching and bandwidth. They should also to have certified engineers or business process experts available 24/7 to resolve any issues or security concerns you may have.
3. Application Security
- Does the application even take security into consideration?
When new upgrades or versions arrive, they should be readily available to customers. BUT cloud providers should never upgrade a customer’s system without them knowing. It’s a good idea to pick a vendor that allows you to test new software before it’s completely implemented into your organization.
4. Compliance
- What regulatory standards does my cloud provider meet?
- How often are they audited?
Your cloud provider should assist you in complying with SOC Type II, HIPAA, SOX, and any other regulations that pertain to your industry. If they can properly manage your organization’s archives, then meeting compliance and security requirements should be easier. Whether you have copies of processed checks, original contractor agreements, or detailed patient records, converting your documents to tidy, well-organized microfilm and/or data keeps them secure and accessible while minimizing needed storage space and helping you manage your document life cycle.
