Key factors in achieving data security in cloud computing
Tags: datasecurity, cloudcomputing, aws, cybersecurity
Published: 2023-01-11 09:40:07

In today’s world, it is no news that every company uses cloud computing in one form or another, and the reason is not farfetched. Not only does cloud computing reduce cost and improves efficiency, but it also increases flexibility, collaboration, and scalability. 

While companies are taking advantage of cloud computing to access the on-demand availability of data storage, there is the challenge of high risk of data privacy. This is where data security comes into play. 

In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into cloud data security, its importance, and how to achieve data security and privacy in cloud computing. 

## What is cloud data security? 

Cloud data security refers to policies, procedures, services, security controls, and technologies that protect cloud-based systems. The goal is for these security measures to ensure that there is no form of data loss, exfiltration, breach, leakage, or unauthorized access. 

Securing these cloud-based systems is a two-way situation involving the cloud provider and the client using the cloud services. The ability of each party to fully understand their facet and function in their role is crucial in delivering top-notch cloud security solutions. 

This is why cloud security can be configured to suit individual business needs by setting up authentication rules for individual devices and users. 

## Why is cloud data security?

There are numerous reasons cloud data security is essential in cloud computing, and here are a few of them. 

### It protects against any security breach

Data and information are vital assets of every company, and their safety is paramount. However, according to Security magazine, 40% of organizations face a cloud data breach. If this is the case, then the importance of cloud security cannot be over-emphasized.

### It ensures regulatory compliance

To make sure that you are well within legal boundaries, complying with data protection and privacy policies is unavoidable. HIPPA and GDPR are internationally recognized bodies that ensure data protection standards are followed.

### It provides a disaster recovery plan

While no one wishes for disaster, there are unpredictable. When such a cloud storage disaster strikes, it can terribly affect your company’s data, resulting in unexpected challenges. One of the best ways to prepare for such situations is by ensuring cloud security. This way, you can leverage their extra services and mitigate huge losses.

### It ensures better remote work management

Cloud computing has revolutionized the IT industry and solidified remote work. This is because, with cloud, data is now accessible anywhere on the internet. While the ease of remote work is a positive impact, it also means that remote workers can expose company data to threat when they do not comply with standard security measures. 

For instance, a remote worker may casually use public wifi to work or access data which can result in a data breach. However, cloud data security can help prevent such problems.

## Factors to help ensure data security in the cloud
There are some important cloud data security measures to consider when developing a data security strategy in cloud computing. These include: 

### Data encryption

Every proper cloud security service provider offers data encryption with mathematical encoding to avoid unauthorized access to data. Although data encryption is all over, different providers offer varying levels of encryption service. 

It is important to ensure that your data security service provider provides your company with top-grade control and comprehensive encryption choices. 

### Multifactor authentication 

Cloud environments require standard multifactor authentication (MFA) that fortifies access directories, accessing cloud applications, carrying out administrative duties, and more. MFA should be present for users accessing any form of data on the cloud. 

With multifactor authentication, you can ensure that all security controls and permissions are updated. Ideally, SaaS cloud access should be mediated by a cloud access security broker. This way, you can ensure certain controls are enabled, including DLP, malware protection, content filtering, and others. 

### SaaS data security
For SaaS, there are fewer standard cloud data security options to manage and configure. In SaaS environments, most data security is managed by the CSP itself, and it’s important to review any control reports carefully and share responsibility attestations. Logging in SaaS environments is notoriously challenging -- or even nonexistent. In some cases, CSPM and SSPM software may help.

## Conclusion

It is important to consider the cloud storage type in use regardless of the deployment. SaaS offers limited options when it comes to data storage, while PaaS and IaaS provide a range of cloud storage options. As such, there are different protection and security capabilities.