Cloud computing simplifies collaboration, application deployment, and data storage. But when it comes to data compliance, the cloud introduces a new level of complexity.
Compliance is a broad topic that covers government initiatives such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and HIPAA, as well as industry-created standards like PCI-DSS. These frameworks dictate how organizations should manage and protect data. And when you’re moving to the cloud, you need more advanced security measures and cloud-specific policies to prove that your off-site data is still well within your control. Failure to comply could result in huge fees and loss of reputation. If you want to operate in the cloud without fear of audits and penalties, these tips may help.
Learn compliance requirements
Your cloud environment needs to be consistent with industry-specific guidelines. Before meeting with a cloud vendor, find out which compliance initiatives apply to your company, how data should be managed and secured, and who is allowed access to sensitive information.
For instance, organizations with clients from the EU fall under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); therefore, they’re required to know where cloud data is located and how to protect it from unauthorized access. While healthcare companies and other organizations that share any medical-related information are legally obligated, under HIPAA, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data using a combination of encryption systems, two-factor authentication, and data backups.
Conduct risk assessments
You should also hire security experts to evaluate the strength of your cybersecurity. Using various assessments, you can identify the vulnerabilities in your system and determine all the ways you could be violating regulatory compliance. Doing these tests once or twice a year will help you account for new security threats and update your policies in accordance with new or revised regulations.
Install high-end cloud security
Once you’ve identified your compliance and security requirements, you need the appropriate tools to meet them. When evaluating cloud vendors, make sure they provide the following security services:
- Access controls - to limit employee access to sensitive files.
- Data encryption - to protect the integrity of data even after a successful breach.
- Intrusion prevention systems - to prevent hackers from infiltrating your cloud infrastructure.
- Data backups - to recover sensitive files in case of a power outage or cyberattack.
- User de-provisioning - to remove access to Office 365 and other cloud accounts after an employee has left your company or changed roles.
Train your employees
Human error is the cause of most compliance issues. When you’re migrating to the cloud, conduct regular security training sessions to promote good security habits. Teach employees about the risks of clicking on suspicious links, sharing sensitive information online, and accessing private information from public networks.
In your training seminars, you must also highlight the importance of setting strong passwords and changing them frequently. Then, enforce your security policies by supervising employees who work with sensitive information.
Talk with your managed IT services provider
We’re not going to sugarcoat it -- data compliance can be overwhelming and may force you to rethink your cloud migration. But if you communicate frequently with a trusted cloud services provider, it will be smooth sailing. Cloud experts will facilitate your cloud migration and provide the necessary information and security tools to guarantee compliance.
If you want a smooth transition to the cloud, minus the legal and security worries, contact us at www.intelligis.com. We know the ins and outs of industry regulations and make sure you don’t have to trouble yourself with the complicated details.
