words Alexa Wang
Discover how secure a cloud collaboration is
Working collaboratively and securely is necessary for many businesses, but achieving this can be difficult. Cloud-based collaboration is the key to meeting this challenge, but only if it is done securely.
Unlocking the potential of secure cloud collaboration requires taking the necessary steps to ensure that data is kept safe and secure while allowing employees to work together efficiently and conveniently. Using secure cloud collaboration software and leveraging key security features, such as authentication, encryption, access controls, compliance, and security monitoring, businesses and organisations can take advantage of the full potential of cloud collaboration while safeguarding their data, communication, and resources.
Data encryption
Effective data encryption in transit and at rest is essential for any cloud collaboration platform and should be properly implemented to protect against data theft or unauthorised access to sensitive information. Implementing the correct protocol and employing a qualified specialist to manage your encryption solutions are the best ways to ensure the integrity of your data.
Encryption works by encoding a message with an algorithm so only those with the proper key can access the data. It is an important part of any security system and should be implemented both in transit and at rest.
For data in transit, SSL/TLS encryption should protect sensitive data from interception, creating a secure connection between two devices. AES encryption should be used to protect data at rest in cloud accounts. Additionally, access control lists can restrict access to specific users.
Access controls
Role-based access controls limit who can access sensitive data and what they can do with it by assigning roles to users and granting or denying access to resources based on those roles. This allows admins to create specific access policies and grant access only to those with the correct privileges.
Following the principle of least privilege, a general security principle, users should only have access to the resources they need to do their job and no more. This reduces the risk of malicious actors accessing sensitive data and limits the damage they can cause.
Multi-factor authentication
Using just a username and a password to access data is not enough for modern security standards since passwords are easily compromised. Although passwords can be strengthened through the use of passwords comprised of a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, a much higher level of security is achieved with multi-factor authentication.
Requiring a user to provide another factor of authentication, such as a thumbprint in addition to a password or a security token (e.g. a key fob) for separate authentication makes it harder for anyone else to gain unauthorised access.
One of the most common MFA factors users encounter is one-time passcodes, also known as OTPs. These are typically four- to eight-digit codes sent via email, SMS, or mobile app. OTPs are generated periodically, or each time an authentication request is submitted, using a seed value assigned to the user upon registration and other factors such as a counter or time value.
Compliance
Secure cloud collaboration helps to ensure that your online activities comply with the necessary regulations.
For example, to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), cloud collaboration platforms must incorporate the necessary administrative, physical and technical safeguards to protect the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI). This includes access controls, data encryption, and user authentication. The platform must also ensure that any data stored is securely encrypted in transit and at rest.
Using a collaboration tool which facilitates secure cloud collaboration ensures that you can comply with all relevant regulations, helping you build trust in and respect for your brand.
Security monitoring and incident response
When considering the security aspect of cloud collaboration, it’s essential to explore hybrid cloud security solutions to safeguard your data and operations. Security monitoring and incident response can detect and respond to security breaches or other malicious activity in a secure cloud collaboration tool by monitoring systems for suspicious activity, such as unusual network traffic or file access patterns. Security administrators can also monitor user accounts for suspicious activities, such as login attempts from unfamiliar locations. Additionally, administrators can use access control lists to configure permissions and restrict user access to data and applications.
If suspicious activity is detected, administrators can use incident response procedures to investigate and contain the malicious activity. This may include disabling access to specific accounts, isolating affected systems, and using forensic analysis to identify the source of the breach. Administrators can also use data encryption and backup strategies to ensure that any data lost or stolen can be recovered.
Secure cloud collaboration can be achieved by implementing appropriate security measures such as authentication, encryption, access controls, compliance, and security monitoring. These measures help to ensure that data is kept safe and that organisations are compliant with any applicable regulations. By taking these steps, businesses and organisations can ensure that their cloud collaboration is secure and that their data remains protected.
