Things to consider before outsourcing your data.

With the rise of telework and all its attendant security concerns, a cloud-based storage system can seem like a Godsend.

Storing data in the cloud can be a great solution to protect data from security breaches while at the same time ensuring that it remains accessible to employees when they need it.

And yet, not all cloud-based storage systems are created equal. The process of moving data to the cloud brings with it an array of questions and potential problems. It is therefore not a step to be taken lightly.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind as your business prepares to move data to the digital cloud. 

How to move your company’s data securely

Before making the decision to move your data to the cloud, check on any compliance requirements governing that data. Violating any of these regulations can result in steep penalties down the line. Trusting a third party to manage compliance can increase your risk of a violation.

Also, consider what the best solution for data encryption might be for this process. It is usually considered best practice to encrypt data before transit. This gives you an added layer of security during that vulnerable time while data moves from one system to another.

Once you’ve successfully moved your data from one system to another, you might think it’s time to relax your vigilance. But instead, pay attention to the limitations of the platform. The digital cloud is not perfect and breaches still do happen. Stay on top of changing permissions and access. Every cloud service provider is different, but they all expect you to assume a share of the responsibility for risk. As hacking methods become more sophisticated, you will need to remain ahead of the game.

How to secure the use of the digital cloud when you are an SME

As a small or medium business, your budget may be limited. 

For this reason, it’s important to be clear about the cost of the service and specifically what is included in that cost. 

Look over the service provider’s plan carefully. What services are included every month? Which services cost extra? And which of these services do you really need?

For example, some providers charge extra for what’s called a “put and get” service, which is simply the ability to put your data in the cloud and get it back again. If this is a service you will need regularly, that’s an important consideration. Extra bandwidth is another service that often comes with an extra price tag.

Compare the solutions offered by different companies to figure out how you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

5 things to remember about data outsourcing

As you prepare to outsource your data, here are the most important things to keep in mind.

• Keep your data encrypted before, during, and after transport. This is the best way to ensure its security throughout the process.
• Carefully break down your needs before choosing a provider. Think about things like customization, turnaround time, and cost. Prioritizing these needs makes it easier to find the right provider to do the job.
• Transform your data using data-centric security tools like masking and tokenization. These tools protect your data both while in use and while at rest.
• Work with an experienced provider who will support you throughout the entire process. Keep communication open at all times. Be aware of any red flags; if your gut tells you they aren’t right for you, they probably aren’t.
• Carefully evaluate your business needs to identify all the tasks that will need to be outsourced. This will help you choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.

By keeping these important considerations in mind, you can choose the best solution for keeping your data in the cloud safely.