As remote work becomes universal, reliance on the cloud accelerates. Popular applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Dropbox, and more enable collaboration, storage, and access from anywhere.
However, storing data in the cloud also attracts cybercriminals looking to infiltrate networks through phishing, brute force attacks, and other methods.
Meanwhile, insider risks like administrator errors and accidental data leaks remain persistent threats.
What factors make cloud security a top priority for SMBs today?
Securing the cloud requires a defense-in-depth approach covering three essential areas:
Identity – Verify users through strong authentication and control access based on role.
Access – Allow only authorized usage of data and apps with tools like firewalls and access controls.
Visibility – Continuously monitor usage and access patterns to detect anomalous behavior.
With the right people, processes, and technology to address these areas, SMBs can significantly reduce their risk.
Requiring multi-factor authentication adds a critical layer of protection by preventing stolen credentials from granting access. Users must provide an additional verification method like a security code or biometric scan when logging in.
Leverage identity and access management (IAM) tools to restrict user permissions to only necessary apps and data. This minimizes damage if credentials are compromised.
Closely control which data partners, contractors, and clients can view in the cloud to avoid accidental exposure.
Monitor user activity for unusual patterns like abnormal logins or downloads that could indicate a compromised account.
Refrain from centralizing metadata like timestamps and user details. We distributed metadata limits to breach exposure.
Revoke all cloud app access when employees leave to prevent disgruntled insider misuse.
Educate end users on social engineering ploys like phishing, which target cloud credentials. Update training twice annually.
While the above tips cover the basics, SMBs have additional opportunities to lock down cloud data:
With the fast pace of change in both technology and threats, cloud security requires an ongoing commitment. SMBs should:
While cloud providers maintain baseline security, SMBs need people and solutions dedicated to their specific environment. Enlisting cloud security experts allows SMBs to:
Don’t go it alone when it comes to cloud security. Imagine IT’s team can assess your infrastructure, identify high-risk areas, and build a cost-effective security program tailored to your cloud strategy and industry.
If you are interested in having us assess your current systems, please reach out:
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