Protect Your Cloud Based Business from Internet Threats

Companies rely on cloud-based services so everyone has access to documents. This is useful when multiple people are working on a project, and everyone can get access to files using an app or logging into the website. Unfortunately, there are cases where this becomes a problem for the company due to both internal and external threats, some of which may not be obvious. Here are six ways your business information can be at risk.

Employees Can Manipulate Information

No matter the size of a company, it is important to know and limit who has access to files in the cloud. Only employees that need to use documents should be given permissions. If everyone, has access, such as a receptionist for example, they can either change information or accidentally erase it.

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Hackers Get In Despite Security

Even if a cloud-based business uses security measures, hackers can still break in and get access to documents. When a hacker gets in, it’s already too late to stop them, files can be encrypted or compramised, and it takes time to build the system back up. Preventing the threat is crucial. You need a security system that not only manages your company’s activity, but reduces risk in advance by tracking insider threats and accounts that may be compromised.

A Virus Can Wipe Out an Entire System

While cloud-based systems update their data regularly, viruses can still occur. In some cases, it only leads to downtime and locked access to the system. In the worst case, all the company’s information is gone. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your cloud storage for solutions if this happens, and have copies of files stored on external hard drives or other alternative backup.

Former Employees Use Information With a Competitor

When employees leave, most companies delete their information, including their login access to computers. But companies must also remove the employees access to the cloud. Employees who still have access might give away confidential information to a rival company, especially if they left on bad terms.

A Cloud-Based Business Can Illegally Store Your Files

You must do your research if you’re looking for a company to protect your information. Some cloud-based businesses take part in unethical or illegal activity, putting your files at risk. Do they have their own local server that’s secure? Do they use a high-bit encryption? One of the best solutions is to use your own encryption key to code your files before uploading to a cloud-based system.

The Cloud Vanishes, Along With Your Information

If having a cloud-based business illegally store information isn’t bad enough, the thought of it disappearing altogether is even worse. Any company engaging in this practice likely sets up a quick website, promises high security, then steals a company’s information and shuts down their website and servers. Ask business colleagues for recommendations to make sure you’re using a trustworthy business.

In any company, there are possibilities of information being stolen, but using a cloud-based service adds an extra risk. While having tight security reduces that risk, you must be on the lookout for these scenarios so your company’s information stays secure.