Name one technology tool more influential in the last year than the cloud. Not an easy task, huh? Even the most prominent utilities (like video conferencing) rely on the cloud and cloud security.

As more and more people around the world transition to remote work, the cloud’s prominence only continues to grow.

Yet this increased reliance on the cloud also comes with an increased need for security. As technology becomes more sophisticated, so do cyberattacks. But what is security in the cloud and how does it work? Here we explain the basics so you can implement them effectively in your own organization.

What is cloud security? 

It is essentially a blend of technology, policies, and processes that aim to protect the data you store in the cloud. From filtering traffic to authenticating access to the cloud or documents within it, cloud security can be precisely configured to the exact needs of your company. 

As of May 2020, the top security concerns regarding the cloud were data loss and leakage. In fact, 7 out of 10 participants reported worrying about security. Two-thirds of respondents reported concern about data privacy and confidentiality—both factors of security.

How does cloud security work?

Cloud security services provide certain features that can ensure your data and cloud is protected. This includes but is not limited to the following:

A secure server

Security programs analyze traffic before it reaches your server and only allow legitimate users to pass your security protocols.

Data management

Data is the name of the game. Cloud services use powerful encryption methods and complex algorithms to protect and conceal your data. Other companies besides cloud providers—like this software company in Austin—also offer this perk, so be sure to shop around before committing to one provider.

A backup and recovery plan 

Cloud data is most secure when it is backed up on redundant storage methods. Always keep your data in more than one place so you’re less likely to suffer from data loss.

Threat prevention

The cloud uses Intrusion Prevention Systems, Intrusion Detection Systems and Threat Intelligence to identify attackers who might either be attacking you or who could in the future. This means you can be alerted ahead of time and prevent anything from happening.

IT compliance for cloud security

Cloud-based security services run off a set of compliance rules and regulations to ensure your data is secure. These are bound by law and ensure your cloud system is fully protected, and as such, will follow any industry standards your business requires.