How to Secure Your Cloud Technology and Applications

Cloud technology provides unprecedented access for your employees, customers, contractors, vendors, and suppliers to productively interact with relevant data anytime and anywhere, but with the wrong setup, it could also open the door for security hazards.

While the increased adoption of public cloud technologies across all industries demonstrates its convenience and cost-effectiveness, some business leaders are still hesitant to embrace this technology. This is likely because many companies still view cloud security as a significant concern.

Happily, there are ways to affordably and effectively secure your applications and workload in the cloud, but you’ll need the right consultant with the right know-how.

How Cybercriminals Get to Data

One of today’s top methods for cybercriminals to gain access to data is through the use of phishing. This typically employs fake landing pages and fraudulent emails to gather login credentials, such as usernames and passwords.

“Spear phishing” is a subset of this type of malicious attack, in which criminals specifically target login credentials for high-ranking company members, especially those in the C-suite. Both phishing and spear phishing attacks can be devastating yet hard to avoid, as shown by the hack on the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in 2016.

Though cloud technology typically has stronger physical security than on-premises technology, the anywhere/anytime access offered by the cloud can make these online systems more susceptible to data breaches because cybercriminals don’t have to enter your building to use stolen credentials.

However, there are a few ways to combat phishing, spear phishing, and other user-access security pitfalls.

1. Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication prevents unauthorized access to your applications and workloads both on-premises and in the cloud, even if a successful phishing attack has been accomplished. As a highly effective security technique, multi-factor authentication requires more than just a password to access sensitive company data; it also requires a second verification step. This reduces risk for you.

Currently, multiple methods of multi-factor authentication exist, including:

• Biometrics identification
• Physical password tokens or PIN-entry machines
• One-time-use codes sent to approved mobile devices
• And more…

Though critical for effective security with sensitive records, the multiple stages to some multi-factor authentication methods can be cumbersome and can slow productivity when improperly implemented. A good consultant can recommend easy-to-use, seamless multi-factor authentication options for cloud technology – the key is choosing a convenient, user-friendly solution that still ensures rock-solid security for your data. For instance, one system that we at Centroid recommend is HID Global ActivID.

2. Ease in Deployment, Scalability, and Management

Of course, it doesn’t matter how effective a data security solution is: if it’s difficult to deploy or troublesome to scale and manage, it’s not going to be very effective for your company.

In our experience, systems that are easier to set up and that grow with your company are more likely to provide a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), along with higher levels of user adoption. In addition to maximizing ROI, increased levels of user adoption can improve regulatory compliance, which helps your company avoid costly non-compliance fees.

Granular management capabilities help you secure your systems effectively and knowledgeable cloud technology consultants can help here too.

3. Seamless Integration

As with all computer systems, seamless integration is the key to success. Software and hardware is only as strong as its weakest link, and systems that are cobbled together are filled with “weak links.” Cybercriminals can use these loopholes to exploit security failures, but a fully integrated user authentication system can be the best way to ensure your company’s data stays safe in the long run.

The Right Tools, the Right Access

With the right user authentication tools at your disposal, you’ll have the power to better protect your sensitive and proprietary data with ease. It’s time to get your company the security it requires, with the convenience you deserve. It’s time for cloud technology security done right.

Centroid has spent 20 years focusing on implementing secure, effective systems for their clients. As one of the pioneers in cloud workload management and hosting, we can boast that we’ve seen it all – and we know what truly works. We’re happy to help you find the right solution for your critical business data.

Contact Centroid to learn more about the wide range of cloud security options available.