(DailyAnswer.org) – Online data storage continues to replace physical drives as the preferred mode of storing documents, photos, videos, reports, and more. It is largely preferred due to the convenience that it guarantees. You can easily access and share your data from any location and at any time.
We are also now handling most of our information and transactions online, ranging from bill payments and banking to managing medical, financial, and personal details. With most modern organizations embracing “the Cloud” and moving most of their operations and services there, it is hard to go a day without using the technology.
With so much vital data being available online, concerns about its safety have risen. Cloud technology relies on several security and encryption layers to ensure your data is safe. However, as hackers become more prevalent and personal details spread across multiple organizations, you could start wondering whether your data is safe. Fortunately, it is.
What Is “The Cloud?”
The cloud is a scattered collection of servers that host infrastructure and software and is available online rather than on any single device. Numerous third-party servers offer storage services, allowing applications and services to run smoothly, so people can access their data seamlessly.
Cloud technology is more reliable, cost-effective, elastic, and secure than traditional storage. The cloud is straightforward, even though the proliferation of hackers and scammers could give you some jitters.
Just How Safe Is Cloud Technology?
Want to hear a cool fact about the cloud? A scammer is more likely to access your personal information from a physical drive than from the cloud. Malware and phishing scams are the most common tactics scammers use to invade your devices–and your privacy.
With cloud services, large companies like Amazon and Google administer and maintain servers. With numerous other large organizations and even government agencies procuring cloud packages, the companies offering them must ensure exceedingly strong security measures.
A Forbes report states that Google has a Cloud Security Command Center that regularly scans for vulnerabilities, and both Microsoft and Amazon have developed infrastructures and applications to help. Even the most elite hackers have to try very hard to break into the cloud.
Some of the standard security measures available in most cloud ecosystems include:
- Consistent security updates. While you could forget or ignore to update your email service, browser, or operating system, cloud-service providers cannot. They have staff and built-in processes that ensure regular security updates.
- AI tools and auto-patching. Cloud providers are constantly relying on artificial intelligence for basic security analysis. The AI tools help to identify security vulnerabilities even without the assistance of experienced security professionals.
- Built-in Firewalls. These are hardware- or software-based technologies that apply various rules to shield your data behind a wall.
- Third-party security testing. Most cloud providers hire external security companies to regularly test and improve their software and servers’ security.
- Redundancy (ultra-backed-up data). Power outages and hardware failures could leave you without access to your data. Luckily, most cloud providers practice redundancy, copying and storing your data in multiple locations so that even when one server location is compromised, you can still access your information.
What Can You Do To Improve Your Cloud Security?
Do you already have data stored in the cloud? There are several things you can do to enhance its safety, including:
- Data encryption. It is easier for hackers to steal unscrambled data. Therefore, ensure you use a cloud provider that offers data encryption mechanisms.
- Regular backups. Your cloud provider should ensure data backups, but you can also use an external hard drive to back up your most sensitive information.
- Two-factor authentication. An extra verification step makes it more difficult for hackers to access your financial information, personal details, or emails.
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