Many organisations are using the Cloud through which to conduct their day-to-day business. Although every Cloud service provider will insist that their operation is secure and safe, breaches do occur and customers' networks are sometimes compromised.

Here are some tips on how to keep your computer network and the data contained within it secure and protected when using the Cloud.

Frequently Change the Passwords

The main issue with apps obtained through the Cloud is that they are not generally well-integrated with existing IT networks and systems. This leads to employees forgetting the multiple passwords that are used with the multitude of apps in daily use. Consequently, passwords are continually being reset or even written down which instantly undermines the effectiveness of your business' network security protocols.

Many organisations issue passwords to staff en masse without really assessing who actually needs access to the various apps in use. Restrict password information to those who use the Cloud apps on a regular basis. Keep a secure database of all Cloud passwords and change them regularly.

Increase user visibility

Unfortunately, the majority of Cloud-based apps don't have any form of user activity audit. This means that two users with the same username could theoretically be signed in simultaneously, unnoticed. A savvy hacker could therefore easily gain access to your computer network via the Cloud. This could lead to sensitive client and company data being stolen and malicious attacks being launched on your systems. 

If your network security is to be totally effective, you need clear visibility as to who is accessing your data. Anything suspicious should be flagged straight away and network access restricted.

One solution to this problem is to auto-delete sensitive client and company information from all external communications so that a Cloud app cannot download them to a mobile device and thence into the hands of a hacker.

Stop data leakage

Sometimes sensitive data that's stored in the Cloud can be leaked externally from your network through a lost employee mobile device. Whilst this can't be blamed on the Cloud itself, it's still important to put in place a strategy to prevent such occurrences. 

The most effective way to do so is by placing a digital watermark on any corporate information that you place in the Cloud and track its movements around the web. This will enable your network engineers to monitor who downloads the data and when.

By adopting a data-centric approach to your network security it's still possible to enjoy the many advantages offered by the Cloud without compromising sensitive corporate and client information. For more tips or assistance, contact resources like Brilliant Technologies Business Solutions.