The cloud has drastically improved the way businesses and consumers store and manage important files. Eliminating the need for physical storage, it can save a significant amount of space on your hard drive.
However, while the cloud does offer a lot of benefits, it can also pose significant security threats. If you plan on using the cloud for work or leisure, below you’ll discover some security do’s and don’ts you should absolutely follow.
Do Consider Paying for Private Cloud Access
There are two variations of the cloud. One is free and the other one offers paid access. So, what’s the difference? Well, the free version is a public cloud, whereas the paid subscriptions give you private access.
The free version is often recommended to most users. However, even if you’re only using the cloud for personal rather than business use, it could still be worth paying for private access. This is much more secure and keeps your personal information away from prying eyes.
Don’t Just Sign Up to the First Provider You Find
There are a lot of cloud providers out there and no two are the same. Therefore, you’ll want to avoid simply signing up to the first provider you come across.
Do your research to see what each provider offers. Take a look at online reviews to see what others have to say. These often reveal how easy to use the platform is, whether it’s worthwhile and whether there are any downsides you need to be aware of.
Comparing providers will ensure you make the best choice to match your storage needs. Most importantly, you should look to see who else will have access to the things you store and how data can be retrieved.
Do Look at the Security Options Provided
Even with the paid cloud subscriptions, the level of security provided can differ. The best ones to go with are those which utilize several layers of protection. There are also providers who require credential verification between your data and access point.
The more security the cloud provider supplies, the safer your information and files will be.
Don’t Move Everything to the Cloud
Finally, while the cloud does offer convenient storage, it is important not to use it for everything. Make sure some information is stored away from the cloud just in case the worst does happen and a hacker gains access to your files.
Not everything can be moved to the cloud anyway. Some applications need to be extensively modified before they are able to be incorporated there. So, don’t see it as an all-in-one storage solution.
These are some of the most important dos and don’ts when looking into cloud security. While the cloud is mostly secure, there are different levels of protection out there. Therefore, it’s important to compare your options and ensure you are choosing a reliable provider. You should also make sure your passwords are secure and difficult to hack.
