Cloud Security: Everything You Need to Know

Worried about cloud security? You’re not alone. In an era where data is core to every business, concerns about where and how it’s stored make sense. 

However, today’s cloud providers have made significant strides in ensuring security measures that often surpass traditional in-house data storage solutions. 

In this post, we’ll: 

• Explore the cloud’s technical and physical security features. 

• Review best practices for using cloud technology. 

• Share resources for furthering your cloud security education. 

Let’s begin! 

Technical and physical cloud security features 

Modern cloud technology’s security features resemble a vigilant fortress, guarding every vulnerable entry point from harm.   

Let’s take a look at the exact tech specs that modern cloud providers use to guard the data stored within: 

5 technical cloud security features 

1. Firewalls 

Cloud providers deploy sophisticated firewall systems that meticulously scrutinize data packets. These firewalls act as the first line of defense, blocking unauthorized access attempts and safeguarding sensitive information. They use advanced algorithms to detect and prevent various types of cyberthreats, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, malware, and intrusion attempts. 

2. 24/7 monitoring 

Imagine having a 24/7 security team watching over your data.  

Cloud platforms offer built-in alert systems that provide instant notifications of suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. This real-time monitoring allows for swift action to thwart potential breaches, significantly reducing the risk of successful attacks. 

3. Comprehensive logs and analytics 

Detailed activity logs track every event within your cloud environment. These logs are comparable to having a sophisticated surveillance system that records all movements and interactions. Advanced analytics tools can sift through these logs to identify patterns and anomalies, enabling proactive threat detection and efficient incident response. 

4. High-level encryption 

Even in the unlikely event of a breach, encrypted data remains incomprehensible to unauthorized users. Cloud providers implement robust encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit. Many offer options for customer-managed encryption keys, giving you full control over data access. 

5. Regular backups and disaster recovery

Continuous, automatic backups serve as safety nets against data loss. Cloud providers typically offer multiple backup options, including point-in-time recovery and geo-redundant storage. These features ensure that even in worst-case scenarios, you can quickly recover your data, minimizing downtime and operational impact. 

3 Physical Cloud Security Features 

Your data isn’t just "floating" in the cloud—it’s housed in cutting-edge facilities designed for maximum security. Here are three common physical measures that most reputable cloud providers use 

1. Biometric access controls 

Cloud data centers employ stringent physical access controls. Biometric measures like fingerprint and facial recognition ensure that only authorized personnel can access the physical hardware. These controls are often multi-layered, requiring multiple forms of authentication for entry. 

2. 24/7/365 surveillance and security personnel 

Data centers are monitored around the clock by both advanced surveillance systems and trained security personnel. This constant vigilance helps prevent physical breaches and ensures rapid response to any security incidents. 

3. Environmental controls  

To protect against environmental threats, data centers are equipped with advanced systems for fire suppression, climate control and power management. Redundant power supplies and backup generators ensure continuous operation even during power outages.

How to safely use the cloud: Strategies and best practices 

Despite both physical and technical security measures, data breaches and ransomware attacks can still happen.  

Often, these issues stem from user errors—yes, that means you and your team. According to Gartner, by 2025, “99% of cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault,” highlighting just how important proper utilization of the cloud really is.  

Here are a few ways you and your team can ensure you’re using cloud technology properly:  

1. Stay educated 

Security awareness training can reduce security-related risks by up to 70%. 

When ignored, the results can be catastrophic—the National Cyber Security Alliance reports that 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months of a cyberattack. 

The statistics are clear: understanding and mitigation directly correlate and, often, are critical to a business’s survival. Therefore, it’s worth considering several security awareness training programs:  

• Provide threat awareness courses to employees on an ongoing basis. 

• Can simulate controlled, customized security incidents to test and improve employee awareness.  

• Lower a business’s risk of a successful cyberattack by up to 70%. 

Learn more about security awareness training for accountants. 

2. Implement security policies and procedures 

Implementing solid internal security procedures is equally vital.  

Your IT personnel should have a solid framework regarding security policies and procedures, but here are a few best practices to keep in mind:  

• Regularly update passwords. 

• Use multifactor authentication. 

• Ensure a 3-2-1 backup strategy. 

And if you’re thinking, ‘Huh?’ to any of the above, and you don’t have internal IT personnel, contact your cloud provider and they’ll help get the above in place. 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

Despite our best efforts, we can’t be experts in everything. We all have our niche. Which leads me to say… 

Unless you have an Amazon-sized budget, the most effective way to secure your cloud is to outsource it. When selecting a provider, perform due diligence by checking references, reading reviews, and understanding their competencies.  

How well do they understand your profession? Your vertical? Are they compliant with the same standards as you? Will their prices fluctuate with scale—will your costs eventually change? 

Get specific and don’t settle on the first solution you find; you, and your business, deserve to have the best. Here are a few more questions to get you started. 

Cloud resources 

Yes, the cloud’s transformative, and yes, its security benefits are often unmatchable by the average accounting firm. However, keeping it secure is a shared responsibility—and that concept is crucial for both organizations, and their staff, to fully understand. 

To ensure you’re using the cloud to its full potential—while staying safe and secure—bookmark the following resources: 

• Cloud Security Alliance’s educational programs and certifications are mostly meant for IT personnel, but CSA’s blog covers a wide range of topics—from best practices to emerging threats.  
• Wiz Academy offers foundational knowledge about cloud security, including key concepts and best practices. It's a great starting point for anyone new to the topic. Check it out. 
• The Rightworks blog and resource center offers practical tips for professionals to become more confident about using the cloud. Their resources are education-first and mostly written for the accounting crowd. 
• And not to get too meta, but FeedSpot’s curated list of the best cloud security blogs, news and websites has tons of information for anyone interested in learning all things cloud. 

By exploring those resources, and following the cloud security best practices described above, you’ll be well on your way to gaining the most the cloud has to offer.  

Learn more about the cloud at Rightworks.com. 

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