How to Secure your information in the cloud

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Cloud brings convenience into our lives. For instance, you can easily access your data from anywhere without carrying your portable storage devices around because of cloud-based storage services. But alongside the clear advantages of storing sensitive data in the cloud, this raises numerous cyber-security concerns. Though cloud-service providers care about their business reputation and go an extra mile to protect customer’s data, there are also some actions which users themselves must take. Here are six effective tips to secure your information in the cloud.

1. Choose a cloud service that uses encryption

Safeguard your privacy by choosing cloud storage services that encrypt your data. This provides an additional layer of security since decryption will be required before you can be granted access to the data. In addition, encryption ensures service providers and their service administrators, as well as third parties, do not have access to your private information.

2. Carefully read all terms and conditions

Don’t rush to click AGREE on your user agreement. Read it carefully and make sure that you fully understand what every clause in the deal means. Pay attention to the small prints which might be included in the Terms of Service (TOS) to make them legitimate. For instance, back in 2011, Twitpic wrote in their TOS that sharing your pictures on their service gives them the right to ‘use or distribute’ the pictures.

3. Avoid accessing your cloud storage via public Wi-Fi networks.

Remember that cybercriminals don’t need to be technologically advanced to steal your sensitive data to the open WiFi spot. Like leaving your house’s front door wide opened, using an unknown public hotspot is a recipe for disaster. Always use a virtual private network if viewing sensitive information in public.

4. Set up Multi-factor authentication.

Always go for multi-factor authentication when this is available. Standard authentication methods include providing a personal PIN or inputting a code that the cloud provider emails or texts to you. You may also opt to download an authenticator app. The multi-factor authentication add an extra layer of protection to your sensitive data.

5. Update your OS regularly

Don’t ignore the notifications alerting you to updates for your operating system. Updates aim to bridge security gaps, and they are vital for ensuring the protection of your device and information. However, by ignoring these notifications, you voluntarily put yourself at risk.

6. Think before you upload

Sometimes, the security of your data stored in the cloud depends on your online behavior and common sense. It is a bad idea to keep your social security number, copies of IDs, or important financial statements even in the most reliable cloud storage. The same applies to some of your private photos or critically important medical records.

These tips will help you to maximize the security of your private data in cloud-based storage services. But this is just the basic level. If you need advice on some more advanced issues, contact us and get a comprehensive consultation.

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