Tips for Securing Stored Data On the Cloud and Beyond

One of the most common questions business leaders often ask our IT and cybersecurity professionals at ORAM Corporate Advisors pertains to the security of data storage. While all data is important, some data requires stronger security. Additionally, not everyone should have access to all company data. Below are a few tips to get you started on better securing your business’s stored data.Secure the Front DoorThe most effective approach to securing your storage resources is starting at the front door. That means beginning with the way users log in and access information. There are two approaches ORAM Corporate Advisors recommend for best protecting stored information. The first method of protecting your data and ensuring your front door is covered is to employ two-factor authentication while the second is employing a certificate-based authentication scheme.Storage ProtectionEmploying two-factor authentication ensures those accessing your stored data are doing so legitimately. This aids in keeping out bad actors while providing ease of access to your own users. Utilizing certificate-based authentication that uses a public key cryptography and digital certificate to authenticate a user is an additional step to ensuring only the right people have access to your stored data. When a user signs on to the server, he provides the digital certificate that has the proper public key and signature for the certification authority, thereby allowing him or her secure access. If someone attempts to log in without the right key and signature, they are denied access further ensuring the security of your stored data.Back It UpEven though businesses implement the right protections, the truth is nothing is completely impervious to a seasoned cybercriminal. With that being said, you can safeguard your stored data by backing it up regularly. If the worst should occur and your storage resources are breached, you still have your data which prevents the hacker from trying to “sell” it back to you by holding you ransom.You can back up your stored data to the cloud or on an offline device or server. One tip ORAM offers is that you should never trust just one vendor for your storage and your data backup. Use a different vendor and/or software for each purpose to double down on your stored data security.The Biggest Storage MistakesOne of the greatest storage mistakes businesses make when it comes to stored data is simply not knowing what data they have or where it’s located. All of your business data should be categorized by the level of security that it requires in order to access it. You should also know where each piece of your digital and hard copy data is stored at all times.The second mistake companies make is failing to institute a minimum level of security protocols. For example, every business should be employing the Principal of Least Privilege, which means giving access to stored data only to the employees that truly require it to perform their job functions. Additionally, this means employing standard firewalls, antivirus, and antimalware programs and keeping them updated at all times.Final Thoughts On Data Storage ProtectionIn addition to the tips mentioned above, you should regularly audit your data. This will help you identify which security level each piece of information requires as well as where it should be stored. An audit will also allow you to properly dispose of your digital data that is no longer needed. Keep access to your stored data tight and have a contingency plan in the event your storage service goes dark, even momentarily. Share that plan with your employees and keep them trained regularly on best cybersecurity practices.For more information about security for your stored data and best cybersecurity practices, contact ORAM Corporate Advisors at (617) 933-5060.