Key Components of Data Security in Cloud Computing

Daily, computers generate new data that eventually requires storage. The size of data owned by a business determines the choice of storage the business uses. When the data volume is more, cloud storage becomes the best option for the business. 

Data in cloud storage is held by a third party far away from the business premise, with the only method of access being the internet. It is stored and accessed online, a process that can compromise data security. Although businesses keep a backup copy for their data, its security remains key. 

Data security controls used by businesses

Because data stored in the cloud is in third-party servers, a business must use correct security measures to ensure it is safe during storage and retrieval. Businesses use different methods to enhance their data security. 

The process of securing its systems can be smoother through the help of an IT support company. The support will help the business get the right IT solutions, overcome the jargon, and achieve compliance. TCT has over 20 years of experience providing IT support services in Sydney, Melbourne, and Horsham. 

Access: Businesses limit the people authorized to access their cloud data. This includes the number of devices that can be used to access the data.

Encryption: Using encryption keys, the system changes the data into a format that cannot be read until the right access keys are keyed in.

Passwords: Passwords are used to identify authorized users. They can be text passwords, thumbprints, eye recognition, etc. 

Backups: All data is stored in the cloud but copies of the same date are stored somewhere else. It is a way to caution against data breaches, system failures, and loss due to disasters.  

Data resiliency and masking: Data resiliency means the business system can endure challenges resulting from data production, storage, and use. In case of failure, it is possible to recover data successfully. Failure can result from compromise, disasters, or power failure. Masking is done using masking software to hide data by obscuring it. 

Components of data security in cloud storage

Every action taken by a business engaging in cloud storage should be geared towards ensuring the total security of its data from all forms of breaches. Unauthorized access to cloud storage can pose fatal dangers to company data, whether it is done internally or externally. The high-level data security model for cloud storage must meet the standard threshold as follows:

Strict confidentiality

Confidentiality means the data remains secret to any person without authorized access. The people with the authority of access must not share the data or its access with third parties. Mostly, businesses boost data security in the cloud through encryption. If another person accesses the data, this is called breaching. It can be done through hacking or the use of spyware.

Its access must be controlled

Confidentiality means the data can only be accessed by authorized individuals but availability means the data can be accessed by users who need to use it. Users could be workers in a department like accounting or marketing who are authorized to use the company systems during work. 

Clients could also have a certain level of authorized access through actions such as access to an account, creating accounts, making purchases, or payments. This is made possible by putting in place the right system structures to enable authorized access. The IT department creates the relevant controls, channels, hardware, and security controls. 

The data must pass the integrity test

Anyone authorized to access the company systems or data should do so without fear that their actions shall be compromised at one point or another. The user should have strong confidence that their data hasn’t been subjected to modifications by some unauthorized individuals. They must not harbor doubts that their passwords could easily be compromised or they could lose their account data. This is the point where passwords come in and several levels of authentication.