Did you know that around 50% of people from a survey didn’t realize that the programs they use operate on the cloud?

The cloud is a powerful resource for businesses to store information and have it easily accessible.

If you want to keep your company relevant and successful, you must protect your business from hackers though.

Continue reading to discover the most common cloud security mistakes that could put your data at risk!

1. Weak Passwords

One of the most common cloud security mistakes businesses make is using weak passwords.

When the passwords don’t have diverse characters and are easy to guess, hackers can get into the system. To protect all of your data and customer records, you must ensure that all employees are using strong passwords. It also helps to update passwords throughout the year to prevent employees and outsiders from gaining confidential info.

Upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters should be used for each password. You can also increase character limits to ensure that staff creates unique codes.

2. Overlooking Server Patching

Server patching management is essential if you want to keep your info on the cloud secure.

The purpose of server patching is to update the software. Newer software has better coding that can ensure your security is strong. People are more likely to find access to info if you’re using outdated servers that have vulnerabilities.

Patching your server will fix errors, update the versions, and can enhance performance and security. Don’t click the ignore button when notifications appear on your cloud platform to make upgrades.

If you work from home or have staff that does, this process is especially important. Unsecured public networks can increase the risk of attacks on outdated servers.

3. Using Zombie Servers

When servers aren’t properly working, they can go into a zombie-like mode and put your data at risk. Crpytojackers look for servers that haven’t been validated, patched, or serviced. Always follow the timelines for getting your server checked so that it doesn’t start causing more harm than good.

Not only can zombie servers put confidential details at risk, but they can also zap energy and increase utility bills. Fixing or replacing these servers can help you in more ways than one, but you might need help identifying them.

Finding Cloud Computing Services will connect you with a team that can resolve vulnerable servers. You can also identify resources with labels if you want to keep them, otherwise, termination is best. As your staff encounters these servers, you should develop a reporting system to monitor security.

4. Allowing Too Much Access

Just because someone works for your company, doesn’t mean they should have access to all of the info.

Not controlling the access you provide staff on company computers can cause significant problems. Passwords and authentication should be added to all files and folders with confidential info.

Work with your IT department to provide cloud data access to only the people that need it. For example, a receptionist doesn’t need access to patient-to-doctor conversations. Only the doctors and those involved in the case should be receiving the info and all identifying factors should be eliminated.

5. Forgetting to Encrypt

When you encrypt documents and emails, you help ensure they won’t get breached.

Encryption is the process of transforming data before it gets stored on cloud servers. When you save files, they often have easily identifiable names for organizational purposes. Encrypting will alter the algorithms and data so that it can’t be deciphered by hackers.

Unauthorized users can access data that isn’t encrypted, putting your entire business at risk. Cloud encryption will protect your data from various locations and ensure that it gets transferred safely. Another advantage of encryption is that it stops other users from accessing and changing data, other than the creator.

Any info or data that falls within privacy acts and compliance must be encrypted. If any patient or customer info gets leaked, it can also put you at risk of getting sued.

6. Keeping the Trash Bin Full

Protecting business data can be challenging when you face technology.

Most people go about their days without thinking about their cloud trash bin. When files get deleted, they are stored within the trash for an extended time or until the user permanently deletes them. You must utilize cryptographic erasure to guarantee the info is gone.

If you’re using Google, you can delete your bin within the Customer Data section of your settings. When you delete items in the trash bin, you also delete the encryption keys required to decrypt the data. This makes sure that no one can access data that is no longer relevant.

Items in the trash bin can get recovered. The deletion process isn’t permanent and can be reversed. Get rid of the data that could put your company or clients at risk so that confidential info doesn’t get out.

7. Neglecting Cybersecurity

Aside from protecting business data on the cloud from a breach, you’ll need to protect your device.

Cybersecurity software should be installed on all of your company devices. Hardware, software, and data can help disrupt and misdirect viruses and theft. Without protecting your computers, hackers can access your data through loopholes and a lack of protection.

Cyberattacks are most likely to occur to businesses since they have access to important information and money. Don’t give your data away by neglecting technical security.

Don’t Make These Common Cloud Security Mistakes

Making these common cloud security mistakes could run your business into the ground.

Although the cloud is a useful tool, it does come with faults. You need to take the necessary steps to protect your data through encryption and authentication. Hackers and cyber attackers can easily break into cloud accounts that aren’t getting monitored and allow too much access.

Don’t wait to work with your IT department to help secure your data and keep algorithms safe.

Make sure you check out our blog for more info about protecting business data and improving your tech!