{"id":4310,"date":"2025-06-13T10:30:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T10:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/?p=4310"},"modified":"2025-06-13T10:30:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T10:30:11","slug":"how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Business Files Safe in the Cloud Without Compromising Privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_72 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud\/#1_Understand_the_risks\" title=\"1. Understand the risks\">1. Understand the risks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud\/#2_Choose_the_right_storage_provider\" title=\"2. Choose the right storage provider\">2. Choose the right storage provider<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud\/#3_Data_encryption\" title=\"3. Data encryption\">3. Data encryption<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud\/#4_Implement_access_controls\" title=\"4. Implement access controls\">4. Implement access controls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/how-to-keep-your-business-files-safe-in-the-cloud\/#5_Meeting_industry_standards\" title=\"5. Meeting industry standards\">5. Meeting industry standards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Keeping both secure and compliant is increasingly difficult for new business owners, so it\u2019s worth keeping up-to-date with every upgrade.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Understand_the_risks\"><\/span><strong>1. Understand the risks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s no escaping risk when you use cloud-based storage. Whether it forms a small or large part of your storage strategy, you\u2019ll be responsible for keeping things secure. Just a few of the threats you might face include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Data breaches<\/strong>: Whether through human error or accidental leaks, sensitive data can work its way onto public networks and websites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unauthorised access<\/strong>: When hackers get hold of login data, they can sometimes bypass sensitive files and access your cloud storage too.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-party surveillance<\/strong>: Without using strong antivirus software or a trusted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/vpn-can-help-you-build-a-better-website\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VPN<\/a>, you\u2019ll be at risk of having your online activities monitored.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While investing in cybersecurity is essential, no business is immune to criminal activity. This year\u2019s Co-Op cyberattack and devastating ransomware attack on M&amp;S prove that even huge corporations are vulnerable targets.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4314 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/right-storage-provider.jpg\" alt=\"right storage provider\" width=\"859\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/right-storage-provider.jpg 859w, https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/right-storage-provider-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/right-storage-provider-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 859px) 100vw, 859px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Choose_the_right_storage_provider\"><\/span><strong>2. Choose the right storage provider<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Next, if you\u2019re set on using cloud-based storage for a large portion of your data, you\u2019ll need to find a provider you can trust. It\u2019s worth doing careful research and looking out for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Zero-access architecture<\/li>\n<li>End-to-end encryption<\/li>\n<li>Data residency options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, compliance with the latest UK GDPR is a non-negotiable factor. When you\u2019re ready to move to total <a href=\"https:\/\/proton.me\/business\/drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business cloud storage<\/a>, you need total confidence in the credibility of your provider.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Data_encryption\"><\/span><strong>3. Data encryption<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4311 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Data-encryption.jpg\" alt=\"Data encryption\" width=\"801\" height=\"549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Data-encryption.jpg 801w, https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Data-encryption-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Data-encryption-768x526.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Another non-negotiable aspect of cloud-based storage is <a href=\"https:\/\/cloud.google.com\/learn\/what-is-encryption\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">data encryption<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>By locking your files on a dedicated server, you\u2019ll keep the keys in your company\u2019s hands \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Implement_access_controls\"><\/span><strong>4. Implement access controls<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Restricted access is an integral part of keeping cloud-based files secure.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>If your company handles large amounts of sensitive data, for example, those in the legal or financial industries, you\u2019ll need to take access seriously. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsc.gov.uk\/collection\/mfa-for-your-corporate-online-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Multi-factor authentication<\/a> can massively reduce the risk of unauthorised access.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Meeting_industry_standards\"><\/span><strong>5. Meeting industry standards<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4313 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Meeting-industry-standards.jpg\" alt=\"Meeting industry standards\" width=\"819\" height=\"554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Meeting-industry-standards.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Meeting-industry-standards-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Meeting-industry-standards-768x520.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Finally, don\u2019t forget that your company needs to stay compliant, too.<\/p>\n<p>Secure cloud storage supports your relevant local guidelines, including data retention policies. Always make sure that you\u2019re clued up on GDPR and the intricacies of collecting, storing, and processing customer data.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[611,610,613,612],"class_list":["post-4310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","tag-business-file-protection","tag-cloud-security","tag-cloud-storage","tag-data-backup"],"modified_by":"admin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4310"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4317,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4310\/revisions\/4317"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallbusinessblog.co.uk\/business-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}