How to Keep Your Business Files Safe in the Cloud Without Compromising Privacy

Whether you live in England, Scotland, or Wales, owning a business in the UK involves unavoidable risks for your online data. When you store files and communications in the cloud, you must thoroughly understand how to maintain full control over your privacy.

Keeping both secure and compliant is increasingly difficult for new business owners, so it’s worth keeping up-to-date with every upgrade.

1. Understand the risks

There’s no escaping risk when you use cloud-based storage. Whether it forms a small or large part of your storage strategy, you’ll be responsible for keeping things secure. Just a few of the threats you might face include:

• Data breaches: Whether through human error or accidental leaks, sensitive data can work its way onto public networks and websites.
• Unauthorised access: When hackers get hold of login data, they can sometimes bypass sensitive files and access your cloud storage too.
• Third-party surveillance: Without using strong antivirus software or a trusted VPN, you’ll be at risk of having your online activities monitored.

While investing in cybersecurity is essential, no business is immune to criminal activity. This year’s Co-Op cyberattack and devastating ransomware attack on M&S prove that even huge corporations are vulnerable targets.

2. Choose the right storage provider

Next, if you’re set on using cloud-based storage for a large portion of your data, you’ll need to find a provider you can trust. It’s worth doing careful research and looking out for:

• Zero-access architecture
• End-to-end encryption
• Data residency options

Additionally, compliance with the latest UK GDPR is a non-negotiable factor. When you’re ready to move to total business cloud storage, you need total confidence in the credibility of your provider.

3. Data encryption

Another non-negotiable aspect of cloud-based storage is data encryption.

By locking your files on a dedicated server, you’ll keep the keys in your company’s hands – and not those of your online service provider. Encryption makes it impossible for third-party users to access your files or their location, limiting tracking and hacking with equal measure.

4. Implement access controls

Restricted access is an integral part of keeping cloud-based files secure.

Setting strict user permissions ensures access only for trusted employees or partners. You can also customise permissions for each role, choosing whether individuals can edit and save copies, or perhaps only access files on a read-only basis.

If your company handles large amounts of sensitive data, for example, those in the legal or financial industries, you’ll need to take access seriously. Multi-factor authentication can massively reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

5. Meeting industry standards

Finally, don’t forget that your company needs to stay compliant, too.

Secure cloud storage supports your relevant local guidelines, including data retention policies. Always make sure that you’re clued up on GDPR and the intricacies of collecting, storing, and processing customer data.

Carry out regular training if your business has multiple employees using cloud-based systems. Your entire team must know the differences between sensitive and non-sensitive information.