Data and Cloud Security

Cloud security has crept into every aspect of our lives, protecting us from hacking, phishing, identity theft and simple misplacement of data. As the way that we live and work continues to evolve we expect instant access to information, the ability to share it securely and the convenience of digital communication. Cloud security is the safety net which allows us to do all this.

What is Cloud security?

Cloud security is the term for the technologies, policies and controls, often managed by security services, which protect cloud data, applications and their infrastructure from threats. It includes things like password protection, data encryption, 2-factor authorisation and facial recognition, and has become part of our lives in both business and personal environments.

What are the threats?

The convenience and benefits of Cloud communication and data storage are endless, and we all benefit from easy communication. Whether you’re banking with an App, shopping online or hosting a business meeting virtually, your data is stored – and shared – in the Cloud.

All of these conveniences are met with an equal – if not greater threats of potential security and data breaches such as:

Malware – software or trojans specifically designed to gain access to data, disrupt or damage a cloud system.

Phishing – targeted attacks with the intention of obtaining personal information and ID, for fraudulent activities or access to secure data.

Malicious Documents – sent as an attachment with embedded code which gains a foothold into a secure system, allowing access to the secure data within.

Personal apps or devices – a large proportion of those accessing secure data for their employer are doing so on personal devices which may not have the same level of security, increasing the chances of mishandling or leaking that data.

Increased surface area – the more widely spread your infrastructure and those accessing it, the more opportunities there are for a weak spot that can be taken advantage of, or a team member not following procedure for data protection.

Lack of control or policy – without a careful and specific Cloud Security policy your employees aren’t educated on best practice or the impact of mishandling security and data protection.

Flexible working and access – with teams more widely spread and accessing their Cloud data from multiple locations, devices and networks maintaining security is increasingly difficult.

Uncontrolled access – in any workplace there is data and information that is pertinent to specific roles, but which it’s not appropriate for every member of staff to access; all too often companies moving to Cloud based systems aren’t maintaining that granular privilege or key management.

Compliance failings – with legislation like GDPR and the Data Protection Act, security and protecting personal data is the responsibility of every individual, and truly efficient security requires buy-in and commitment from every single person within an organisation.

Cloud security and the future of enterprise 

When businesses were reliant on physical locations it was easier to protect and secure information. Locked files, a safe, limited access and keys held by trusted individuals. That information could only be accessed and shared with express permission, and tracking those interactions was simple.

Cloud based systems bring a wealth of benefits, and progress globally has revolutionised business – but it brings with it enormous increase to the risks and potential attacks from criminal concerns. It’s absolutely vital that Cloud Security is a serious and urgent concern, and that you form and enforce policy which protects your data, that of your employees and that of your customers and partners.

We recognised the need for change in the way agencies engage with their clients. Using a blend of cutting-edge technology and good old-fashioned relationship building, we are proud to be recognised as the talent partner of choice in the modern world, specialising in cyber security expertise, information, data and cloud security solutions for start-ups, scale ups and SME’s.

To learn more about how we work in partnership with industry leading talent, securing positions in world-leading security and tech development organisations, call our team today on 020 7099 7390 or email info@scarletfraser.com