Data breaches can have devastating effects on enterprises. Even when there is a backup, compromised data can damage the enterprise’s reputation and in extreme situation can act as a showstopper. Security is obviously essential for IT managers everywhere, and learning how to protect data should be a priority. Before diving into the ways that you could ensure cloud security, let’s take a look at whether the cloud is indeed preferable to on-premise solutions.

Cloud vs. On-Premise - Which One’s More Secure?

Many CIOs and CTOs wonder and debate if cloud-based applications and data are as secure as on-premise,  a significant concern with overall cloud adoption. Cloud skeptics will lead you to believe that cloud-based applications and data carry increased vulnerability, but according to a recent report by NTT, 2017 Global Threat Intelligence Report, the local and on-premise systems are in fact more susceptible to large data breaches. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five quick ways that will ensure cloud security for your enterprise.

Choose a Secure Cloud Migration Solution

Prior to moving your applications and related data to the cloud, you should make sure that the cloud migration platform you are using is capable of ensuring data security throughout the entire migration process. RiverMeadow takes pride in having created a secure Platform that passes all AWS security mandates. Besides, we have developed complementary services to ensure that the data is protected even after the migration ends.

Educate Employees About the Importance of Cloud Security   

Uninformed employees are among the most straightforward explanations for data breaches. Educating customers about cloud security best practices can minimize the risks considerably. For that, you would have to identify all departments that might come in touch with the data stored in the cloud. Depending on the industry that your enterprise is in, this might be a company-wide action. Next, you need to set up a response protocol in case data breaches are detected. Make sure you run security tests periodically, but without notice so that you can assess the readiness of your security measures in realistic parameters.   

Give Access to Cloud Data Only to the Stakeholders

While most if not the entire company should be educated in what cloud security means, only a handful of employees should be given access to the cloud. IT managers should be aware at all times of who has access to the data in the cloud. Besides that, knowing the permissions of each user is also critical, as it enables IT managers to manage risks. If possible, use a mobile access control system to manage users on the go.

Protect Your Data with Cloud Encryption

Before being placed on a storage cloud, data and text should be encrypted using specific algorithms. In case any of the data needs to be used outside of your enterprise, it can be encoded at the edge of the network so that it’s secure throughout the migration process. Both encryption and deciphering keys should be kept safely. By doing so, you can ensure that even when the information is stored by a third-party, it can only be relevant to the owner.

Perform Thorough Tests Regularly

Besides unannounced security tests, it’s also a great idea to run penetration tests that look and feel like a real attack. Make sure that you inform your cloud provider before performing the test. Secondly, create a list of weak spots, along with an inventory of items to be tested, including applications and servers. One important aspect to keep in mind is that internal and external threats are equally dangerous.

Are you looking for a solution for ensuring the security of your data before, during and after cloud migration? Schedule a demo to learn more about Rivermeadow SaaS, the only cloud migration platform that passes all AWS security mandates, and about our complementary services that guarantee your data’s safe throughout the entire migration process.