Is Your Cloud Data Safe? #AAH
There are many reasons why cloud cybersecurity breaches can occur, one crucial reason being cloud service providers may not have adequate security measures to protect customer data. Another reason is that cloud customers may not know the importance of securing their data and may not take proper precautions.
Organizations that store sensitive data in the cloud are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, as cloud environments are often complex and difficult to secure. The cloud offers hackers a larger pool of potential targets and a more complex landscape to exploit. As businesses and organizations increasingly move to the cloud, they need to strengthen their cloud security.
Today we will talk about individuals and small organizations only
Secure a Data Backup Plan
A data backup plan is a vital part of any cloud security strategy. In the event of a data loss, a backup plan can help ensure that your data is recovered and your operations can continue. Data loss can occur for various reasons and in any form, including hardware failures, software glitches, and human error (Norton, Feb 2022).
Data backup plans include cloud backup, local backup, and offline backup. Cloud backup is a type of data backup performed over the internet. Local backup is a data backup performed on a local storage device, such as an external hard drive
Employ an Effective Password Strategy
One of the most important things you can do to keep your data secure is to use strong passwords (Google Cloud Solutions Architects, n.d.).
The most basic tip you can apply to your cloud accounts is choosing a complex and unique password. You should also switch on two-factor authentication if it is available. Enabling the authentication will add a protection layer to your cloud storage files.
A strong password is difficult for someone to guess. It should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It is also important to use different passwords for different accounts. This can help prevent your accounts from being hacked if one of your passwords is compromised.
You should also change your passwords regularly. Just how often depends on the sensitivity of the data that you are protecting.
Audit your file and folder sharing permissions
Cloud storage services are the best way for collaboration. But it can also leave your data open to unauthorized access if someone else finds those links. Be careful when sharing your files and folders. It is also a good idea to run a regular audit of all the sharing options that you have enabled on your account. Restrict Access, withdraw access when job is done
Clear deleted
Most cloud storage platforms have a recycle bin which temporarily stores data for a few days or weeks to help you restore them. However, you need to make sure that sensitive files that you are deleting must be completely out of the system and nobody should be able to recover them.
4. Check your connected apps
Even if hackers aren’t able to get into your account, they can try to hack using connected third apps. Make sure you are regularly checking which third party applications has access to your cloud storage. Remove any app that you are not currently using.
5. Deactivate old devices
Most cloud storage services let you sync files from multiple devices. If you upgrade your phone or get a new laptop, it is important that you properly disconnect and deactivate the old ones. Usually, this means signing out of the relevant app before uninstalling it completely. But you should also sign out inside the browser that you have been using.
Do regular checkups to investigate any unusual activities.
Never store any intimate or sensitive detail that can be used to blackmail you.
Please do watch the video for detailed safety tips.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
PS- we have taken reference material from various reliable articles too.
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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’
‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.
Honorary Board of advisors
Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)
Goals of this initiative
The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.
Support of the Indian Police for the initiative
Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 70+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.
This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.
Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety
We run India’s only private national multilingual AI chat helpline for cyber safety. This helpline is currently available in Hindi & English on our website. It can be accessed from any internet enabled device. You can chat here anonymously, fearlessly.