SaaS Security: 5 Ways to Keep Sensitive Data Secure

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shutterstock_132157016A majority of organizations–60% according to technology news site SiliconANGLE–are adopting a cloud-based model for business processes. Many of these businesses have joined the movement because Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offers benefits to both small businesses and large. However, while most SaaS vendors have good security and compliance, businesses should always be aware of how their sensitive data is being kept safe.

To secure data in the cloud:

  • Carefully choose a vendor
  • Implement an access policy
  • Avoid sending sensitive data to the cloud
  • Employ standard security measures
  • Audit security controls

Choosing a SaaS Vendor

Good security starts with the vendor, your partner in protecting data.

When considering the right vendor, choose one who offers security features like password protection, user controls, and data encryption. Understand the vendor’s process, where your data is stored, how it’s backed up, and the process for data recovery. A reputable vendor will also be happy to provide a list of references to show that they’re reliable and committed to security.

Implement Access Policies

Put an access policy in place that limits who can access sensitive data and from which machines. Some businesses may find data easier to secure by allowing employees to access company resources only from their work computer rather than a personal device that may not be as up-to-date with antivirus software.

Don’t Send Sensitive Data

If data is important and very sensitive, it should be kept off the cloud completely, no matter how secure the SaaS model. One of the many benefits of cloud-based computing is integration that allows access to many functions from one access point. However, it isn’t necessary for all data to be available via the cloud. Store sensitive data locally for better security.

Employ Standard Security Measures At A Minimum

Keeping data secure is not only the job of the SaaS vendor and the IT department. Users of the system are also responsible. Employees should know how to create a strong password and help keep their machines up-to-date with antivirus software. A secure password recovery protocol will also help keep the system secure, especially for businesses with a mobile workforce.

Auditing

Finally, businesses should ensure that their security measures are regularly audited. While many SaaS vendors will use a third party to audit, businesses should also have an internal team or their own third party focused on regular audits.

In the past, companies shied away from cloud solutions for fear of data security. That risk has been greatly minimized today, allowing the benefits of cloud computing and SaaS to outweigh the risks. Still, cautious organizations can reduce risk even further using the tips above to keep data secure.

Cloud Deployment: Learn From These 3 Mistakes Before Committing Them

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shutterstock_217358389Enterprises are all unique, each with unique systems and unique issues in regards to cloud deployments. This means that the majority of enterprises will have to use a trial-and-error process when it comes to their first cloud deployment. Some issues that might arise when adopting the cloud for the first time include:

  • Data integration
  • Governance
  • Poor design of applications

Fortunately, enterprises can quickly adapt, especially if they are aware of common issues before they deploy to the cloud.

Poor Performance

Cloud systems perform well when they are properly implemented and have well-designed applications. Businesses looking to deploy the cloud should first make sure that their application design is as efficient as it can be. This will reduce a number of issues that the cloud’s ability to auto-provision won’t capture.

Security Measures

Security should be the first thing an enterprise thinks about when adopting cloud deployment, but many businesses treat it as an afterthought. Adding security measures, governance, and compliance after the cloud has been deployed often does not work and, when it does, it does not offer the same protection. A business looking to move to the cloud should ensure that its security is built-in from the very start and that it applies to the entire system.

Vague Objectives

Each enterprise should consider its unique requirements and objectives before deploying the cloud. Many businesses think in terms of technology, rather than in terms of what their company actually needs, which is part of what leads to incompetent security measures. These businesses should instead think ahead about what they need in order to ensure continued success. A lack of attention to core business processes or data security will lead to an unsecured cloud (at best) and security breaches (at worst).

When a business is educated about common issues that lead to cloud failure, the business is more likely to succeed. Before even considering vendors, businesses should know their objectives for the cloud and ensure their applications are designed to take advantage of what the cloud offers. The planning stages should also be concerned with security measures, in order to ensure that the cloud will be secure from the moment it is deployed. By knowing these common mistakes, and taking them into consideration beforehand, businesses can look forward to a successful cloud deployment.