Halian blog

Cloud Infrastructure Security: How to Protect Your Data in a Cloud Environment

Written by Jack Macauley, Senior Vice President - Middle East | Nov 21, 2024 10:00:00 AM

Accessing data from the cloud has become a popular option for most companies, whether it is utilising popular third-party cloud storage services or even having their own. It is now a more accepted way to store files, making them easier to share instead of the old-school method of saving them locally. 

Streamlining data access can be beneficial for businesses, as data can be stored in a secure location that protects it from any kind of leak. But security must remain a top priority. Here are key cloud data security tips every organisation should implement to safeguard its digital assets.

Select a Good Cloud Provider

There are a plethora of cloud services available, so make sure you choose one that offers data security in various forms. Look into the provider’s certifications and compliance standards to ensure you're working with a reliable partner for protecting cloud infrastructure.

Implement Strong Authentication and Encryption


Data stored in the cloud should always be encrypted so it can’t be seen even if someone gains access. Ensure the use of strong passwords and train employees on best practices in securing their accounts. Adopting encryption protocols is also in line with principles of building ethical AI, where transparency and responsibility go hand in hand with data protection.

Utilise Stricter Access Control

Implement stricter access control, especially for confidential files, so only a few people can have access to them.

Monitor 

Continuous monitoring is also needed to ensure the data stored in the cloud isn’t compromised. Cloud-native monitoring tools provide real-time visibility into system activity and help ensure early detection of potential breaches.

The Zero Trust Strategy 

This security strategy follows the implementation of security according to access controls and strict user authentication

Conduct Regular Security Assessments

Having regular security assessments allows for a more detailed approach to identifying vulnerabilities and patching them before something happens. 

Backup

Probably the most essential tip of all, ensure that you take regular backups and replicate data as regularly as possible. This ensures that data can quickly be recovered in case a system failure occurs. 

 

Cloud services make data access easier, but it is not without its risks. Keeping data secure is a top priority in cloud storage environments, which is why companies must implement robust security measures to protect their data. For industries rapidly evolving with technology, including AI, the importance of strong infrastructure is echoed in real-world AI adoption, where systems depend on secure environments.