Even though there are security concerns with cloud computing because the servers are easy to access, the good news is that even if a hacker gets into the account, he or she will only be able to steal or destroy a small amount of data.
This is because cloud servers focus on data fragmentation. At the same time, nobody wants to deal with a hacker. There are a few things that you can do to keep your cloud space as secure as possible.
–Passwords
Though you may be tempted to buy a security program or install some advanced protection, the truth is that passwords are your best shield against hackers. A good password will keep even the best hackers out of your cloud system until they are able to find, guess or engineer your password.
You first need to create a good password. The best passwords are long, at least 10 characters or more, and they use various characters. Don’t use words or sequential number groupings. You should instead use something incomprehensible so that it’s hard to guess. A password like “12345password” is terrible because it’s fairly easy to guess. A password like “79sDfKbw523” is much better.
You should also change your password frequently. If the data isn’t critical, then change the password every three to six months. If the data is critical to your business’s survival, then change the password once a week or every month.
Most hackers will use programs that generate every possible letter and number combination until your password is discovered. Changing the password frequently keeps these programs from working.
–Never Link Accounts
Many people link accounts to make things more convenient. It seems like a good idea to like your cloud server, GMail and Facebook because you can easily use all of these services at once. The problem is that if one account is hacked, then everything else comes under the hacker’s control.
You can link accounts if it’s essential, but don’t do it for convenience. Convenience is often the enemy of security. If you do link accounts, then be sure to protect it as fiercely as you do the rest of your cloud system.
–Two-Factor Authentication
Many business systems, and thus cloud systems, are focusing on two-factor authentication. This means that you need two things to enter the cloud or associated system. The first thing is something you know, like the password. The second is something that you have.
The second is typically a smartphone. A temporary code will be sent to the smartphone that will give you access to the system. Unless the hacker steals your smartphone, he or she won’t be able to infiltrate your cloud system.
–Cloud Protection
If you are storing critical data that is worth thousands or millions of dollars, then getting third-party cloud protection might be essential. It’s not really required if you have regular data and can properly manage your password, but it might still be useful.
Every cloud provider uses a security system, but external cloud protection will supplement it. Most of these providers ensure that every connection is encrypted.
Whenever you connect to the server, that link will be encrypted. Not only that, but the security system will be checking for hackers who are trying to interfere with the connection.
These programs also have antivirus features. Some hackers will try to use viruses to weaken the cloud’s security or to find your password. The protection program will act as a second set of eyes to watch your server.
–Trusted People
If you own a business or have other people who access the cloud, then make sure that you only give the password to trusted people. For example, younger children may not be the most responsible, but older children should be fine.
Business owners should only give the password to administrators and trusted managers to ensure that cloud access to restricted to essential personnel.
Conclusion
Protecting your cloud from intruders isn’t very difficult, but you do have to be diligent. Be sure to make a strong password, and only give it to people who can be trusted. If you have critical data, then you may also want to use a protection service to ensure that hackers have an even harder time accessing your cloud system.
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