
1. Determining your choice of cloud

That cost saving comes with a lower level of control, you will not be able to specify precisely how your data is protected, and most businesses using these services have no idea where their files are located.Colocating one’s own IT equipment in a shared data centre may get around this issue as it allows businesses to control their security, replication and backup end-to-end, in effect creating their own private cloud.
2. Choosing connectivity that takes the strain
The rise of the cloud has already prompted many organisations to review their connectivity needs. In the last three years, we’ve seen the use of broadband connectivity halve among small and medium-sized businesses in favour of higher capacity services such as Ethernet leased lines that can handle the data strain created by the cloud.3. Deciding on the data you’re confident to place in the cloud

4. Securing the cloud

Good password practice
One of the easiest things companies can do is insist on strong passwords as standard. Create a policy where passwords used for work should always be separate from any used personally at home. Traditionally, the strongest passwords have included letters, numbers, and symbols to minimise the chances that they can be cracked by a bot, but there is a move now to encourage employees to create passwords based on three random words.Multi-factor authentication
Strong passwords should be used as part of multifactor authentication, which maximises system resilience by granting access to users only after presenting several pieces of information. We’ve helped clients establish robust multi-factor authentication protocols involving strong passwords, approved devices and physical tokens to help protect their cloud-based systems.Appropriate encryption
Cybersecurity experts recommend that data in the cloud should be encrypted where it is stored, but also while it is in motion across the internet. Ensure websites you navigate are using HTTPS, this ensures your traffic is encrypted and cannot be intercepted.Access to cloud applications
A lot of organisations using cloud services are also using Active Directory services located on their premises or in rented rack space in data centres to identify, authenticate and authorise access to cloud applications. This provides a greater element of control over the cloud environment, but it still relies on the business to keep their security controls fully up to date when a member of staff leaves the organisation.Good people
Finally, while there is a lot that companies can do with technology to protect their cloud deployments, good recruitment and management practices are just as important. People need to be vetted before they are employed and regularly trained on how to avoid the main cybersecurity risks they might be exposed to.Share this story