In recent years, employees and businesses have achieved higher productivity and flexibility, thanks to the adoption of cloud and cloud-based applications. Through the use of the internet, tools are readily available to anyone, which leave businesses exposed to a greater risk of data breaches and possible diminished customer trust and potential revenue loss. Several companies have started adopting CSPM solutions to handle the automation of cloud misconfigurations. There are several ways companies can enhance their cloud security.
The Use of the Cloud
The cloud has allowed companies to collect, store, and analyze data seamlessly across different channels, gain access to control data, and have complete visibility over who can use what and how data is manipulated. With this platform, you can better accommodate big data to get better insights into your target audience and make smarter decisions on product opportunities.
Additionally, employees can easily access work-related tasks on numerous electronic devices with the use of the cloud. You can work on your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Whether you are a commuter on the public transit or a manager taking a meeting located in a different time zone, the cloud makes it easier for the team to communicate using the shared data. With the help of the internet, the cloud allows collaboration anytime and anywhere.
Using the cloud has likewise led to a heightened improvement in customer engagement. Several studies have shown that companies committed to using the cloud in their day-to-day work activities have decreased costs related to back-office systems and made more focused business decisions. Furthermore, cloud users have been reported to deliver faster and more innovative results due to improved data utilization efficiency.
Cloud Security Risks
Security threats to cloud security come in several forms. There is always a risk that your company data could fall into the hands of someone because of data breaches. Hackers and competitors may gain access to sensitive information, intellectual property or other important files.
Cyberattacks can occur in malware infections due to the high volume of data used in cloud-based tools and applications. Hackers can crash servers and deliver large amounts of unprecedented traffic that can cause the loss of access to some cloud features and delay work.
Companies that migrate and store data now face the added risk of compliance violations. On a larger scale, data privacy has been a heavily debated issue between consumers and businesses. After data has been released to third parties, it can be difficult to trace and recover this information leaving the customer vulnerable to identity theft and fraud.
Enhancing Cloud Security with CSPM
While cloud networks come with security features, a common misconception is that the cloud is entirely responsible for data security. Nowadays, automated security tools are becoming more popular to further strengthen your security measures. Due to the larger amounts of data being collected by businesses, there have been increasing numbers of data breaches among bigger companies, such as Facebook, IBM, and Google.
Given the concerns on data privacy, a new category of cloud security called Cloud Security Posture Management or CSPM has come to light. It is being considered a game-changer in the world of information technology and cybersecurity. Organizations now realize the value of CSPM solutions in being able to automatically check for misconfigurations. CSPM constantly checks for errors involving cloud misconfigurations so that businesses can continue making the necessary changes in their cloud applications.
In order to increase security and limit access to information on cloud applications, data encryption tools can be used to restrict access to individuals without proper authorization and protect data from harmful intruders. Multi-factor authentication or MFA is a cheap but secure way to protect users from hackers and stolen user credentials.
Several companies have adopted cloud-to-cloud backup solutions to minimize the loss of data due to deletion or corrupted files. CSPM alerts the company if unusual user activities are detected to avoid intruders. Companies are also advised to provide ongoing anti-phishing for their employees to spread awareness of phishing techniques and avoid scams.
Importance of Cloud Security
Companies using cloud services have become more productive but are more vulnerable to data breaches. Thus, a higher level of security can help protect sensitive information. Automated cloud security solutions like CSPM can detect compliance risks and remedy vulnerabilities in the cloud software.
Now, more than ever, companies must strengthen their employees to avoid malicious files and phishing methods. Cloud-to-cloud backup solutions are now available to reduce the risk of information loss. By taking the right precautions in cloud security, your company can be better protected against security risks.
