How to Avoid Common Cloud Computing Security Issues?
Many business owners in Australia and around the globe are reaping the benefits of cloud computing. Affordable, efficient, and scalable, cloud computing allows organisations to essentially set up a virtual office. You can connect to your business anywhere and at any time using various web-enabled devices. However, despite the many benefits of cloud computing, it can still leave you vulnerable if proper precautions aren’t taken. This is what IT auditing companies can help you with.
Identify Cloud Computing Security Issues
Through IT system audits, businesses improve the integrity of their system by examining existing policies and practices, identifying vulnerable areas, and providing suggestions for improvement. Addressing cloud computing security issues is an essential part of IT auditors’ job. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Data Security
Inadequate data backups and improper data syncing have made many organisations vulnerable to a specific type of cloud security threat called ransomware. This threat locks away a company’s data in encrypted files and will only allow members of the organisation to access the data once a ransom has been paid. IT auditing companies can help you avoid data loss problems. They can examine the flow of data in your business and help improve your data security measures.
2. System Vulnerabilities
In networks that have complex infrastructures and multiple third-party platforms, cloud computing systems can still contain system vulnerabilities that can be easily used against an organisation. Proper patching, upgrade protocols, and network monitoring solutions are needed to prevent this threat.
3. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
Cloud computing security issues that IT auditing companies can help prevent or discover include phishing and social engineering attacks. Due to the openness of a cloud computing system, these cyber threats have become common. Once login information and other confidential information are acquired, malicious users can break into any system with ease because the cloud can be accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world. To avoid these types of attacks, your employees must familiarise themselves with different social engineering attacks and scams.
4. Employee Negligence
One of the biggest security issues for any system is human error. Employees can sometimes log into the cloud using their mobile phones, home tablets, and home computers, potentially leaving the system vulnerable to outside threats. To combat this problem, many IT auditing companies recommend that companies create strict internal regulations and policies regarding data access and information security.
5. Non-Compliance With Regulatory Mandates
A security breach that leads to non-compliance with a regulatory mandate can be disastrous for a company. Not complying with set regulatory standards can result in expensive fines, loss of business, and in some cases, even criminal penalties. Thankfully, IT security auditors can provide advice and suggestions that can help your business better comply with mandates.
The Final Word
When it comes to network security, businesses need to be prepared for every potential issue that can come their way. By working with reliable IT auditing companies, you can keep your valuable data safe from breaches and avoid various cyber-attacks and threats.
