Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Cloud Computing Explained - Part 3


Safeguarding Your Data
If you want to be assured your data is secure you must take some basic steps to ensure that is the case.
Step 1 Maintain at least two copies of your data and ensure at least one copy is on a usb device and is not on the cloud. This non cloud copy should not be readily accessible from any device that is connected to the internet. This ensures if you data is hijacked you have a copy that is not compromised. You should make it part of your routine to ensure all copies are up to date. Relying on one or more Cloud locations to keep copies is putting all your eggs in one basket and is not recommended. 

Step 2. Do not use free wifi services or web cafes to access your sensitive data when you are out and about. This temptation can lead to your passwords and data being hacked. I regularly see people accessing their email and facebook from free wifi services unaware that the service may have been hijacked by the person sitting next to them. Avoid it if at all possible.

Encryption
Where possible encrypt sensitive information to prevent easy access by cyber criminals. At a minimum password protect spreadsheets, and documents. There are several free commercial products available which will encrypt your data and reduce the chances of your data being easily accessed if your cloud storage is hacked.


Email
Email is probably the single biggest Achilles heel for the cloud computing user. Once a hacker has access to it a myriad of information is available to them to compromise your security and get access to your money. Gmail and hotmail are both cloud based emails and I’ve lost count of the amount of people whom I have dealt with who have been hacked via these email services. At a minimum you should use the double authentication services provided. When activated this service sends a code to your mobile which must be entered with your password each time you login. As the code changes each time it is a very good method of ensuring your email is not compromised. Use strong passwords on your email and all other cloud accounts and don’t keep a list of these on the cloud. Finally never use the same password across accounts, change the passwords frequently and never reuse a password.