infoTECH Feature

August 19, 2015

What are the Ramifications of Not Securing Files Held in the Cloud?

Storing data online has become so popular, it has become the norm for many individuals and business. Online threats are always a worry, whether you’re a casual user or a business that has a large cloud solution in place.

Cloud service providers are known for ensuring that customer data is protected the best way it can be. There are also additional service providers who can build on the foundations to offer additional layers of security, such as Dell Information Security.

Some breaches can be a result of poor management of security by a cloud service provider, but sometimes something as simple as a weak password is enough to put your data at risk. While nobody ever wishes for the worst-case scenario, it’s certainly worth knowing what will happen to your data if it isn’t secured properly.

Loss of Data

Data can be easily overlooked when it comes to online activities. Many businesses may look toward securing their online banking and completely overlook how important the data they hold really is. Imagine if a business lost all of its data about customers, suppliers etc.

Not only would this be a breach of the customer’s details, but it could be detrimental to the business. In the first instance the business would have no contact details in which to conduct a marketing strategy, and the customers may be looking toward a competitor due to their data being compromised.

This is how one simple oversight can put your data at risk. Always remember the value of your data, and treat it like you would any other valuable asset.

Traffic Hijacking

Files that are held online with a weak password are more likely to be accessed than those with a strong password. While this is an obvious statement, it’s worth considering how detrimental someone accessing a company’s records can be.

If an intruder is able to gain access to data, they are able to send customers communications that could have a negative impact on your business. An intruder could also redirect your Web traffic to that of a competitor’s site. So not only is your traffic being stolen, but your customers are too.

Files Can be Accessed by Ex-Employees

Sometimes it’s not a hacker who can be detrimental to your business, but an ex-employee. This is not to say that anyone who leaves a company automatically looks for revenge for some reason. But if a company has recently fired an employee for misconduct, it could find itself with a security breach unless the right kind of security is in place. This can be as simple as changing the password and updating permissions as to who can access the data.

These aren’t scare tactics to shy you away from cloud service providers, as previously mentioned, they are used by millions who use the service without hindrance or upset. But like most things in life, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A few changes in habit can ensure that your business is protected from the latest technological threats. 




Edited by Dominick Sorrentino
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