Tips To Keep Your Information Safe In The Cloud

The number of people using the cloud continues to grow year after year. This is a trend that’s expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

Today, most people don’t send photos through email or use USB flash drives to carry important documents. The cloud is a universal “meeting ground” where people can easily and quickly exchange information. It’s also become a storage location, where documents, pictures, and more are kept permanently.

People are more trustworthy of the cloud today, too. They are willing to store identification scans, sensitive business information, and bank documents on the cloud. The question is, can you ensure this information is safe?

Right now, the unfortunate answer is, “no.” While this is true, you can do a few things to help improve the security of the information you keep on the cloud. From creating good passwords to using micro-segmentation, keep reading for some tips to ensure superior security on the cloud.

Start with Your Passwords

The passwords you create are used to keep your information safe from others. These are like locks. While a hacker may force open this door and break the lock, most of the time, having a strong password can keep others out.

Unfortunately, passwords can be annoying. They can also be hard to remember. Because of this, you may use simple passwords that you won’t forget or the same password for multiple sites and purposes.

The more complicated your passwords are, the safer your information will be. While complex passwords are not as easy to remember, they are necessary for security purposes.

Review Folder and File Share Settings

Cloud storage makes it easy to share files with other people. However, it can also leave your information open to unplanned or unauthorized access if someone finds the links or accesses the account of someone the files have been shared with. Use caution when sharing folders and files. Also, add expiration dates and passwords to the shares if possible.

You should also review the shares on your account regularly. This will let you see who has access to your files and allow you to revoke these privileges if they are no longer needed.

Read the User Agreement from the Cloud Storage Provider

If you don’t know which cloud storage provider to choose or have questions about how different cloud services work, read the agreement. While it may be long and boring, you can find helpful information that will ensure you choose the right cloud storage provider.

Back-Up Your Information 

Backing up your data is essential. A robbery, hard drive issue, power surge, and other issues can result in you losing your information. If you don’t have a backup of your information when this happens, you will likely be extremely frustrated. In the past, backing up information was tedious and expensive. Today, this is not the case. You can easily and quickly back up all the information you have on the cloud. You can even set up your system to back up your data automatically every day or on a schedule you choose.

Review Your Connected Accounts and Apps

Even if a hacker cannot get into your account going through the front door, they can try to get in from another “hole” somewhere. While it may be convenient to add connections to apps and calendars, it also puts your entire account at a higher risk of being hacked.

If you want to keep your information on the cloud safe and free from prying eyes, use the tips and information here. Doing this will pay off and prevent expensive and ongoing issues that may arise otherwise. Being informed is the best way to ensure your stored information remains safe. 

Cloud storage is convenient. It can help you stay organized and make it easy to access your data and information. However, if you don't take steps to secure your information, you may put it at risk. Don't let this happen by using these tips.