A common refrain that we have heard as our team interacts with potential clients is: “I store everything in the cloud, I don’t need to worry about security.” We are here to set the record straight.
Your business might exist entirely in the cloud, or you may have considered a migrating to cloud-based solutions. This method offers many advantages, such as increased scalability to ease of access, but it also introduces heightened security challenges. A cloud-only approach to data storage requires a strong security strategy because, unlike traditional on-premises storage, cloud data exists in the private sector beyond direct user control. That is not to say it is a bad method, simply that cloud storage requires robust security to be executed will and to keep your data secure.
The following are our biggest pieces of advice when choosing to go full (or mostly) cloud-based.
Apply the 3-2-1 Model
The 3-2-1 model is a well-known data protection strategy that suggests keeping at least three copies of data (the original plus two backups), stored on two different types of media, with at least one copy stored off-site. This approach minimizes the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, cyberattack, or accidental deletion.
In a cloud-only setup, however, the entire storage infrastructure relies on a single external source: the cloud. While cloud providers invest heavily in reliability and redundancy, they are not immune to data loss or corruption. A cloud-only approach bypasses the “two media” requirement, placing all copies within a single provider’s infrastructure. While cloud providers often implement strong internal redundancy, a wise cloud-only approach should still consider additional external backups to comply with the 3-2-1 model. Without this, a single breach or loss event could compromise all data.
To implement the 3-2-1 model effectively in a cloud-only environment:
• Cloud Replication: Ensure that your cloud provider replicates data across multiple geographic locations.
• Off-Cloud Backup: Consider using a different provider or an on-premise solution for one backup to maintain data independence.
This model highlights that while cloud-only storage offers convenience, it’s insufficient on its own without considering additional backup strategies.
You need more than an antivirus
In a traditional setup, data security relies on a layered security strategy, combining firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), endpoint protection, and strong network policies. With cloud-only data storage, these layers become even more crucial because data faces exposure to more potential threats.
An antivirus is essential, but it is only a single layer of a comprehensive defense. To secure data stored solely in the cloud, you need multiple layers of protection:
• Access Control and Identity Management: Limit access using role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Ensure that only those who absolutely need access can reach critical data.
• Encryption: Ensure data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. Many cloud providers offer built-in encryption, but it’s vital to understand the specifics and confirm that encryption keys are securely managed.
• Network Security and Monitoring: Utilize virtual private networks (VPNs), secure socket layers (SSL), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) to control access to cloud data. Monitor all data movements to identify potential intrusions in real time.
Each of these layers works in conjunction with others to mitigate risks. While a cloud provider will secure the infrastructure, businesses are responsible for protecting their data and applications. An effective layered approach prevents a single failure from leading to complete data exposure.
The User Is the Weakest Link
With a cloud-only approach, user error is one of the most significant vulnerabilities. Cloud storage allows for easy data access from any device, potentially opening doors to accidental breaches. In this scenario, users themselves often become the weakest link.
Consider these risks:
• Phishing Attacks and Social Engineering: If an attacker gains access to a user’s cloud credentials, they can access stored data without having to breach traditional infrastructure. This is why training on phishing and other social engineering attacks is crucial.
• Misconfiguration: Cloud misconfigurations, like accidental public access to storage buckets, are a common cause of data breaches. Users must be trained to set permissions correctly and review access settings regularly.
• Weak Passwords and Lack of MFA: Despite the high level of attention this issue receives, weak passwords and lack of MFA are still common. Employees should understand that a strong, unique password and multi-factor authentication are mandatory steps for safeguarding cloud data.
Regular security training is essential in a cloud-only approach, equipping users to recognize potential security threats and avoid risky behaviors. A well-informed user base significantly reduces the chances of security breaches.
Data in the Cloud Means Less Control
One of the biggest misconceptions about cloud-only storage is the idea that it exists in a vacuum. In reality, storing data in the cloud means placing it in the hands of a private company, outside your direct control. Unlike on-premises solutions, where data remains within the physical confines of the organization, cloud data storage requires trust in a third party’s infrastructure, policies, and security measures.
Several implications arise from this shift:
• Vendor Lock-In: Some cloud providers have proprietary storage solutions, which can complicate or increase the cost of transferring data to a different provider.
• Data Sovereignty: Data stored in the cloud is often subject to the laws and regulations of the location where it’s stored. This can mean that data is exposed to foreign surveillance or regulations if it’s stored across international borders.
• Compliance Requirements: Depending on your industry, there may be specific compliance standards for data handling and storage. A cloud provider may meet basic standards, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they fulfill all necessary requirements.
Organizations must assess their cloud provider’s practices, security certifications, and compliance measures thoroughly before committing to a cloud-only approach.
While cloud-only storage solutions offer undeniable benefits, they also present unique security challenges that require thoughtful, proactive planning. The 3-2-1 model highlights the need for redundancy beyond a single cloud environment, and a layered security approach underscores the importance of securing data through multiple defenses. User awareness and training are paramount to reducing human errors, which often become the primary vulnerability in cloud systems. Finally, it’s essential to remember that cloud-stored data ultimately exists within the private sector, outside your direct control.
A cloud-only data strategy, then, isn’t inherently insecure. However, it requires vigilant planning, investment in a robust security framework, and constant vigilance to ensure that your data remains safe and accessible.
