8 Security Tips to Secure Your Enterprise Cloud

Security and privacy aren’t just nice-to-haves when it comes to the enterprise cloud; they’re absolutely essential. As your business moves more of its operations into the cloud, you need to make sure that you have security measures in place that guarantee that sensitive data isn’t compromised and that your most important operations aren’t disrupted by hackers. Here are 8 security tips to secure your enterprise cloud that can help you protect your enterprise cloud from vulnerabilities and outside attacks and ensure that your business runs smoothly and securely.

1. Acknowledge your shared responsibility model

The responsibility model for enterprise cloud services is similar to that of shared hosting providers—the provider is responsible for security, as well as administering and maintaining resources on behalf of its customers. However, businesses are ultimately responsible for securing their data and applications while they reside in the cloud. There is no such thing as a 100 percent secure environment, but there are things you can do to minimize risk and protect your business’s data. When comparing providers, look at each provider’s contractual responsibilities around security in addition to taking a look at any certifications or accreditations that an organization might have earned.

2. Encrypting data in the cloud

When you’re handing over control of your data, it’s essential that you spell out in writing when, where, and how that information will be deleted or destroyed. To make sure your enterprise cloud storage provider is taking every precaution possible, keep an eye on their security policy and audit compliance periodically. And it goes without saying: If a provider can’t provide detailed documentation about its data management policies, it's best to steer clear.

3. Formulate and implement cloud security policies

One of your first and most critical steps to ensuring a secure enterprise cloud is setting up a comprehensive security policy. A good policy will help you ensure that all employees have read and understand it, which helps protect your company from security incidents at all levels. When you're writing or updating your policies, make sure to cover everything from data handling best practices, internal network/communications protocols, service continuity planning (i.e., what happens if there's an outage), encryption requirements, user account management procedures, and so on. You'll also want to establish processes for providing end-user training on how to keep their login credentials safe, avoid email scams or phishing attacks and maintain personal privacy when using work devices or services outside of work hours.

4. Controlling access to resources

When securing enterprise cloud solutions, it’s important to ensure that access is restricted only to those who need it. Give appropriate access and privileges to all employees, but also know when they have too much access or don’t require access at all. This can be tricky since users may feel slighted or work-life balance could suffer if you reduce their role, but too much access may result in a higher risk for security breaches. A good idea is to identify roles within your organization and determine what each role requires from a security standpoint; from there, you can tailor your own security policy (the who of an organization) based on these needs.

5. Keep an eye out for security vulnerabilities

If you’re planning on storing sensitive data in your cloud environment, make sure you monitor for security threats. Vulnerabilities can be introduced during updates, as new employees are added or when third-party vendors provide cloud services. The federal government has identified these top five security threats for enterprise cloud users:

(a) insider threat;

(b) cross-contamination;

(c) weak authentication methods;

(d) hidden or hard-coded credentials; and

(e) denial of service attacks.

No one knows your business better than you do—and no one knows what kind of information is at risk in your business better than you. It’s up to you to secure your enterprise cloud environment and make sure it remains as impenetrable as possible.

6. Verify that secure protocols are enabled

The cardinal step in securing your enterprise cloud solution is turning on secure protocols, and making sure you understand how they work. Whether you're using a site-to-site VPN or connecting through one of many hybrid networking options, check that secure protocols are enabled. Also, if you're going for redundancy in your data storage, double-check that any backups are encrypted as well.

7. Train your employees on cloud security policies and procedures

Training your employees on what good security practices look like can be an effective way to lock down enterprise cloud systems. Getting them familiar with both standard and atypical security features will ensure that they stay vigilant in making sure there are no gaping holes in your enterprise’s defenses. Make sure you include frequent tests—with consequences—to force your employees to think critically about every security measure they encounter. Even though it takes time, training is one of the most effective ways you can increase overall awareness of what makes good and bad security practices, which is why it’s critical for securing enterprise cloud systems.

8. Team up with the classiest cloud vendor

The best way to secure your enterprise cloud solution is to work with a highly respected vendor that offers security as a core principle. If you're going with on-premises cloud solutions, make sure your provider has: High levels of encryption for data at rest, in transit, and in use. A strong track record of compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS. Third-party validation for security claims, including SSAE 16/SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certification. Strong customer references from customers who are similar to you; in other words, they should be large organizations dealing with sensitive information. Security best practices that are baked into every system design – not just offered as an option or available after request.

Usercare solves the toughest cloud challenges. Combines the ease and agility of the public cloud with the performance and security of the private cloud. Whether on-premises or hybrid, centralized administration, one-click operations, and AI-driven automation will assure business continuity.

Usercare is a Best Tech Company and IT Consultant in Kenya, Our professional team is focused to assist you with Secure & effective IT Solution.