Small But Secure – Cloud Security For Small Businessy

Summary: This 3-minute article explains the importance of cloud security. Learn some security checkpoints that can help protect your SMB’s cloud business data. Then, contact DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) or visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to discuss cloud cyber security and all the cyber defense solutions available for your SMB.

Cloud-based business IT solutions are a part of the daily operations infrastructure of your SMB. But is the cloud secure? Is your data truly safe? If you don’t know the answer to these questions, it is time to evaluate how safe your computer system’s cloud-based operations are.

Cloud Security Assessments

As mysterious as “the cloud” might be to many users, there are some straightforward, easy steps you can take to better lockdown your company’s cloud cyber security and protect your data:

• Role-Based Access Permission – Employees should only have access to the data and programs they need to do their jobs. For example, someone in the graphics department doesn’t need access to the accounting department’s balance sheets.
• Password Management and Multi-Factor Authentication – As we’ve noted in previous blogs, simple, easy-to-remember passwords don’t cut it anymore. Cybercrime is rising. Therefore, password management is an essential layer of defense against a data breach. Many reputable password management apps are available to help you safely generate and store unique passwords. On a final note, never use the same password for multiple platforms. Doing so makes it easier for cyber thieves to gain more access to your files and credentials on other platforms.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication – Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, adds another layer of cyber security to the login process. After a user enters their password, a second method of identity authentication is required. The most common example of MFA requires entering a security code sent to another device, such as a cell phone or an email address. More sophisticated MFA may use biometrics such as fingerprint, optical or facial recognition.
• Up-To-Date Operating Systems – Security starts “at home.” First, SMBs must download and install all updates to their computer system software. Most updates contain security fixes and upgrades, so keeping everything up to date adds another small layer of security.
• Strong Data Encryption – Data encryption and encryption key management are essential to help secure your uploads to and downloads from the cloud. Also, encryption must be active when your system is at rest, in transit and in use. If your SMB does not have the budget for a full-time IT expert, you should consider enlisting cloud security managed services provided by cyber security professionals. Your data is your most valuable asset, and a failed DIY approach could have disastrous consequences.

Although cloud-based technology offers superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness to businesses of all sizes, it also exposes your company’s data to additional potential risks. Ideally, cloud security should be part of your network architecture plan from the start. Keep in mind that the plan should include the necessary software, hardware, workloads and systems to seamlessly protect your cloud-based operations.

Cyber security is not a set-and-forget process. Businesses must continuously monitor their servers and network devices for threats and respond promptly to all security alerts. As cybercriminals find new ways to breach networks, SMBs must do everything possible to stay one step ahead of them. In addition, proactive security audits should be conducted regularly. By performing security audits, you can identify potential threats earlier, keep them from spreading and mitigate any attacks before they escalate.

Backup “Everything Everywhere All At Once”

One great thing about consistently backing up your data is that in the event of a significant data breach, your business will be better prepared to get back up and running with little or no downtime. Backups can be automated to stay consistently up to date. A data breach does not necessarily have to lead to data loss. Vigilant backups to secure storage platforms can save businesses from the data, reputational and financial losses related to cyberattacks. Furthermore, being able to revert to a previous backup can save the day.

Protecting Your Websites

You can add another layer of security to your website protection by adding a Web Application Firewall or WAF. WAFs block unauthorized and unwanted web traffic from websites. WAFs can reduce the risks of malware attacks and keep them from spreading throughout your computer network, all its connected devices, your customers and vendors.

Employee Training and Best Practices

In the world of business cyber security, humans are the weakest link. Poor training and sloppy, inconsistent security measures are often the causes of cloud security breaches. The good news is that training, information and understanding can strengthen the human connection.

First, your employees must understand the consequences of their actions. Knowing the potential threats to the company and, in the worst cases, their jobs will underscore the need for everyone to take cloud security seriously and be on the same page. Second, all present and future employees should receive comprehensive initial and follow-up training. And finally, your SMB’s corporate culture should support the mandate that cyber security is everyone’s responsibility.

Cloud cyber security is beyond the knowledge of the average user. For that reason, as cyber threats become more complicated and new attacks come into play, SMB owners should enlist the help of IT experts to ensure the best possible cyber defense solutions.