Cloud Storage Security 101: How Your Data Is Kept Secure In The Cloud

You may already be using cloud storage services for your file backups, but have you wondered just how secure your data is? Let’s discover how these useful tools keep your information safe from hackers!

What is cloud data security, and how does it work?

Cloud service providers (CSPs) implement stringent security measures to ensure that all your data on the cloud remains safe. To be more specific, these companies leverage technology, guidelines,  and even physical security to keep your information confidential while still being accessible to relevant users. When properly executed, your data is safeguarded from unauthorized access, security threats, and theft.

CSPs have the following structures in place to enforce cybersecurity:

• Physical data centers Google, in particular, has custom-built servers across the globe. Instead of housing all user information on just one machine or multiple machines, all data is chunked and replicated over several systems. What’s more, Google labels these data chunks randomly, so that they’re unreadable to the human eye. This process is also known as encryption.

• Encryption This refers to scrambling data so that only authorized parties can understand and interpret them. Any information stored on the cloud is encrypted at rest (while being stored) and in motion (during data transfer) so that bad actors cannot intercept and gain access to the data. Bad actors can access your data through ransomware or phishing links, leaving your data more vulnerable to unwanted access. Encryption renders the data unusable, preventing leakage and exposure.

• Identity Access Management (IAM) IAM products track, monitor, and authorize users and what they can do. These tools prevent insider attacks and account takeover threats, minimizing the chances of users accessing internal assets, as well as authorized users going beyond their privileges. Access control and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are some of the ways IAM is implemented. 

With these security measures in place, the files stored on your cloud drives are safer compared to just leaving them on your hard drives.

Your role in keeping your data secure

However, it’s not solely the CSP’s role to keep files safe. As a user, you have an equal responsibility to safeguard whatever you upload to your chosen cloud service. Here are some ways you can do your part:  

• Backing up your data Do not keep all of your files in just one place. Creating multiple backups with other CSPs can ensure that your data is safe in the event of a breach.

• Using stronger passwords Don’t make the mistake of using just one password for all your accounts. A password manager doesn’t just store all your login credentials; some of them generate unique passcodes for you. Norton Password Manager, in particular, can predict how many years it would take for a hacker to crack your password.

• Enabling MFA This adds another layer of security to your logins by sending you a code to your email or mobile phone for added access verification. Other MFA services also utilize biometric security.

• Monitoring your network regularly You have a responsibility to check if your home WiFi network has any suspicious activity. That way, you can ensure that any of your devices and even cloud systems are potentially compromised.