Cloud computing is here to stay. Nearly everyone uses the cloud to store information today. This could be email, file storage, websites or full business cloud computing. This may be for running a small business or just trying to keep your own personal information safe, cloud computing security should be one of your primary concerns.
A few simple tips can go a long ways towards keeping you safe in the cloud.
Passwords: Your user names, passwords, and security questions are the foundation of your security system. It can’t be said too many times that everyone should be using unique usernames and passwords for each service they join. Diversity prevents people who manage to compromise one of your accounts from having access to all of your accounts.
When it comes to security questions, don’t choose ones that are easy to find the answers to. Chances are nearly anyone can find out your mother’s maiden name or the name of the high school you went to with a simple online search. Select something no one knows or even make up a few facts that only you will have access to.
Of course, don’t share your passwords with anyone. One malicious boyfriend or jealous co-worker can destroy your security system.
Backup: The second area of concern is data backup. You may think this is unnecessary since all of your information is stored on the cloud, but things can happen and having your own personal hard storage for backup just keeps everything a little more secure. Likewise, delete things that you don’t need anymore. Not only does it reduce clutter, it provides less information that may enable those with malicious intent access to your accounts.
Security: If you use your personal mobile devices to access work information in the cloud, cloud computing security becomes even more important. If you infect your company’s computers with malware, it could cost them both financially and in productivity. It could also compromise their private information. Keep your devices safe and malware free by regularly using antivirus and antispyware programs.
Stay safe on the cloud to protect your data, your devices, and your company.
Article by Scott Huotari, President CCSI, Google | LinkedIn
