Is My Data Safe in The Cloud? 3 Tips To Help You Stay Protected

Many times now I have spoken with people who tell me they work in the cloud – which is great! I’m all for cloud computing – no commute to work, working remotely – a great idea. However, not all is quiet on the cloudy front. Just because you’re working in the cloud: i.e., saving data, storing and sharing files in the cloud, does not mean that you’re protected 100% from viruses.

There are still multiple ways in which you can compromise your data, your computer, and even your work network all through an infected cloud. For starters, if you’re someone who likes to work remotely a lot, you need to be sure that your computer is protected. If you work on public wi-fi, there is no telling what types of viruses, malware, ransomware, etc., you’re opening yourself up to. And you might not notice at first, but it can happen. And if through some unfortunate event your computer is compromised without your knowledge, when you next connect to your work network, you put the entire office in jeopardy. For example, let’s say you’re working on a spreadsheet at your favourite cafe. While you’re there, a hacker sends a virus to your computer over the open wi-fi. That spreadsheet you were working on becomes infected without you knowing. You finish your work and head back to the office. You upload the document to the work drive, and before you know it, the entire drive is now infected. Not only that, but every other computer that accesses the drive is now open to infection to.

I know this is a far-fetched example with a lot of variables, but it can happen. And it does happen. If a hacker is determined enough, they will find any access point and take it. And if you work in the cloud, you may just be that access point they need. To help you reduce the risk of this happening, here are a couple of tips to help keep you safe:

Passwords

I know you’ve heard this before (from me and from others) but keep those passwords updated! Keep all of your accounts protected with passwords, and change those passwords regularly. Anything to make it slightly harder for the hacker will help keep you safe!

Software

You need to ensure that you have the latest version of antivirus installed on your computer. You also need to ensure that all your updates and patches are the latest version. MicroAge can help you update all this and more with our managed services!

Data Sharing

If at all possible, it is best to avoid sharing sensitive data over the cloud. I know the cloud makes work a lot easier, but is it worth losing all your files over? When sharing sensitive data, be sure you’re doing so only over encrypted networks to help ensure the utmost protection!

These are just some of the actions you can take to help keep you and your business safe. I don’t want to frighten anyone out of working in the cloud (like I said – the cloud is great!) I just want people to understand what risks they are opening themselves up to, and how to best reduce those risks! Talk to me today to find out what you can do to stay safe!