Despite the many benefits, cloud computing is not devoid of risks. It poses some major threats on many crucial fronts and if neglected, they may prove to be extremely damaging for any organization.

Cloud computing is no longer something that we just read about in tech blogs or magazines. It is everywhere, and we are using it almost every day. The flexibility and convenience that cloud computing provides benefit everyone, whether it be a working professional or a high-school student. Businesses are shifting major chunks of their data and workloads to the cloud. This is mainly because cloud computing allows them to handle huge volumes of work without compromising on system performance. It is also relatively less expensive considering the lower capital and operating costs.

Here are some of the major risks of cloud computing and how you can find your way around them.

Unauthorized access to sensitive information

Most businesses that employ cloud computing, store crucial data on the cloud. This could include the company’s financial information, customer data, employees’ personal information, and more. Such data is vulnerable and can be misused if they fall into wrong hands. A single point of failure in the system could lead to a disastrous data breach that could wreak havoc for the company.

Threat actors are constantly looking for ways to get unauthorized access to such data. The only way to mitigate this risk is by adopting very strong data security protocols. You have to implement security measures with help from a reliable cybersecurity firm with a proven track record. All the data uploaded to the cloud must be encrypted so that no one can access them even in case of a breach.

You must also insist on having multi-factor authentication that could include passwords, biometrics, security codes, and more, making the system extremely hard to breach.

Compliance risks

Data security is not just your responsibility. In most cases, it is also a legal liability. Most industries, particularly those that deal with sensitive data like healthcare, banking, government, etc. have regulatory requirements. Failure to meet these data security regulations can result in heavy penalties for a business.

To navigate this risk successfully, make sure that you are aware of all the compliance requirements applicable to your organization. If a third party is handling your data, make sure that they comply with all the necessary regulations and have sufficient security measures in place.

Data loss and business continuity

Another major risk is to the continuity of your business in the event of data theft or loss. Without your crucial data, your business may come to a standstill. When you store data on the cloud, there are a lot of factors at play. From connection to the server to security. You have to make sure that your data is constantly available and is backed up regularly.

Ask your cloud service provider what measures they have in place to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and data backup. In case of data theft or loss, they should also have a disaster recovery plan to ensure that all your data is not lost.

Cloud computing is an inevitable change and a good one at that for the business environment. But like all technologies, it has its share of drawbacks. It is important to be diligent and aware when implementing cloud solutions in your business. With a little care and caution, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of cloud computing without having to worry about the threats.