If you’re seriously considering integrating cloud computing services in your existing IT infrastructure, but are worried about security, you’re not the only one. In fact, data security is the paramount concern for most IT professionals, and making such a bold move can seem intimidating, especially when you have little control over where your data actually is. Because of this fact, many IT professionals are adopting private cloud hosting rather than public cloud services. Still concerned? In order to reassure you, we’ve put together five important security tips to consider when making the move to the cloud.
Know where your data resides
Knowing where your data is and where it goes when you terminate your cloud service is important. We may have things like data encryption, firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection in place to protect our valuable information, but simply being able to identify a machine and knowing that’s where your data is really says a lot in the cloud computing world, and inspires trust. The key to most cloud services to pass strict security guidelines really comes from using dedicated hardware.
Always back-up your data
It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Embracing new information technology is great, and to be applauded, however, it’s easy to overlook the fact that having your own secure data back-up system in place will ensure your data will never be lost, if worst comes to worst. It certainly can’t hurt to have a back-up plan, can it? Even big companies such as T-Mobile have lost customers’ data, simply by not backing up.
Check if your data centre is secure
You should be able to ask which data centre and server is storing your data, before checking which security measures are in place and up-to-scratch. Check if they are SOC 2, SSAE 16 and SAS 70 audited, and if their clients are PCI or HIPAA certified, along with managed services like antivirus, firewalls and intrusion detection for increased security.
Get client references
What other clients are currently with your cloud computing company? Organisations that require a lot of security, in sectors such as insurance, financial, healthcare, or even government organisations, indicate the services provided will be secure and trustworthy. If possible, see if you can contact these clients for references.
Speak to the cloud computing experts at Cloud Comrade
At Cloud Comrade, we specialise in providing our clients in Singapore and South East Asia with best in class cloud technology solutions that put them ahead of their competitors and which keep their critical data highly accessible and secure. Ready to take your business forward? So are we:www.cloudcomrade.com/