It is hard to avoid the Cloud these days. As a system which so many businesses and individuals rely on, the Cloud is that revolutionary technology that has in many ways replaced how we do business.
The ultimate goal of any business is to improve worker productivity (and job satisfaction), in order to improve profits. And the Cloud is the perfect tool to help you achieve that and so much more. With its many features, it is able to streamline so many ordinary work processes while giving the employee the tools they need in order to be more efficient at what they are doing.
But although the Cloud is such a prevalent part of our business lives, its pervasive use doesn’t mean that those who are using the Cloud on a daily basis shouldn’t be extra alert and ready to handle possible security threats.
One of the most common beliefs is that the Cloud comes with all of the security technology needed to keep both data and staff safe from the various online threats as well as the problems that could crop up and ruin a work day, but this is not necessarily the case, if the company itself doesn’t take the necessary steps to keep employees (and the business) safe, through following certain procedures and empowering the staff.
Staying Safe while using the Cloud
Keeping data safe, and protecting the integrity of the business’s network, starts and ends with making sure that employees are staying safe online. Part of making sure that employees are not in danger of stumbling into something while online or working on the Cloud, that could do them or your business harm, starts with making sure that you have followed these 5 helpful, easy tips.
- Find out more about Cloud based apps
Staying ignorant about the online apps that are accessible from the Cloud is asking for trouble. There are plenty of apps that are great for using in the business environment, but each app comes with its own risks and it is up to you and your IT team to make sure that you know just how risky a specific app can actually be.
- Identify problem apps
Some apps are going to need to be monitored carefully, while with others you might need to discourage staff from using the app or you might even have to make the tough decision to block the app completely.
The issue with apps that are considered risky is that they can make your entire network vulnerable to hackers or the loss of data.
- Track apps
Because some apps carry a higher risk than others, it certainly helps to keep track of what apps staff are using the most and which they are trying to gain access to. Since there are plenty of different apps in use in the office, keeping track of the apps will help you gain a better understanding about what kind of data is shared and where it is being shared to.
This is an especially important part of keeping employees and the business safe, since the business IP address is likely to be accessed via the app, even if the employee is not aware.
- Use individual passwords
With the Cloud, it is possible to create passwords that are individual to the employee. This is so important to not only keep the employee and the data they are using or creating safe, but it can also be used to reinforce accountability.
- Keep the Cloud updated
A version of the system that is outdated is going to be a risk, because updates are generally introduced to fill in all sorts of gaps, including those gaps that might be present in the security setup of the system. While updates might be a bother, when they kick in during office hours, it pays to make sure that the Cloud software is always up to date.
