The complete guide to boosting data security in cloud computing

According to Gartner, over 80% of organizations will take a cloud-first approach in 2025. This prediction highlights how cloud computing has become the go-to for flexible, cost-effective operations. The benefits of on-premise to cloud migration are clear: scalability, efficiency, savings, and stronger data protection in a cloud environment.

However, as businesses rely more on the cloud to store, manage, and exchange data, they can also become a bigger target for cyber threats. That's why data protection is more important than ever. In this article, we will share tips on how to boost your data security in cloud computing.

Basics of data security in cloud computing

Cloud data security includes tools and policies that protect data in the cloud from loss, leakage, or misuse. This helps prevent breaches, data theft, and unauthorized access.

A good cloud security strategy focuses on securing data across networks, applications, containers, and other cloud environments. It also controls who can access data and ensures complete visibility of data on the network. The strategy must protect data in three main ways:

• Data in use: Secure data while it’s being used by apps or devices through authentication and access control.
• Data in transit: Protect sensitive data as it moves across the network with encryption and other security methods.
• Data at rest: Keep stored data safe with access restrictions and authentication.

Cloud environments can be public, private, or a mix of both. Regardless of the environment, the key to strong cloud data security is combining robust access controls, encryption, and continuous monitoring.

Cloud data security: Who is responsible for what?

Cloud security is a shared responsibility between the organization and its cloud service provider (CSP), with the exact breakdown depending on the cloud service. However, 73% of organizations don't fully understand their role in cloud security responsibilities, which may lead to blind spots.

The cloud service provider (CSP) is responsible for securing the cloud infrastructure, which includes the physical hardware, network, and services like computing, storage, and databases. They also provide security tools to help customers configure their security settings.

The customer, on the other hand, is responsible for cloud data security. Always. Here is how it breaks down in more detail:

• Private cloud: Since the cloud is hosted in its own data center, the organization handles all cloud security. This includes the physical network, infrastructure, hypervisor, virtual network, operating systems, firewalls, service configuration, identity and access management, and all aspects of data security.
• Public cloud: In public clouds, like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, or Microsoft Azure, the CSP manages infrastructure and network security. The customer manages their apps, data, and access.
• SaaS: The vendor secures the platform, including physical, infrastructure, and application security. The customer is responsible for their data and access security.

The bottom line is that organizations can’t depend on cloud vendors for data security. No matter the cloud model, they must continue to protect their data.

Why protecting data in the cloud is essential

With the increase of remote work, cloud services, and IoT devices, attack surfaces have grown, making sensitive data more vulnerable than ever. This growing trend makes data security a top concern for organizations.

The main reasons for protecting data security in the cloud are meeting compliance regulations, maintaining trust, and keeping sensitive information safe.

#1 Meet compliance standards

Organizations across industries must follow various data security regulations to safeguard sensitive information. Whether it's protecting customer data, financial records, or healthcare information, compliance is non-negotiable. Breaking these rules can lead to fines, legal trouble, and costly disruptions.

But it’s not just about avoiding fines—customers and partners expect their data to be handled safely. Good security practices help meet those requirements and show others you can be trusted.

#2 Protect your brand reputation

A data breach can severely damage your company’s reputation. When customers lose trust, they might take their business elsewhere, and it’s tough to win them back.

The damage to a brand often costs more than fixing the breach itself. Years of hard work can be undone in days. By keeping data secure, you’re protecting your reputation and customer confidence in your brand.

#3 Keep your sensitive information safe

Organizations store vast amounts of valuable data, from trade secrets and intellectual property to customer information and operational systems. Cybercriminals know this and target that information to steal or disrupt operations.

Beyond stealing data, some attacks shut down systems or even critical infrastructure, causing major problems. Comprehensive security keeps your valuable data and systems safe so your business can run without interruptions.

Why storing data in the cloud is a smart choice

More and more organizations are adopting cloud computing because it helps digital transformation and offers practical benefits. By storing data in the cloud, businesses can gain advantages like lower costs, better resource use, easier access, and scalability.

Cloud computing simplifies teamwork from anywhere and gives access to tools and technologies without big upfront costs. Its flexibility and reliability make it a key part of modern business growth.

Let's have a look at the benefits of storing data in the cloud.

Reduced costs

Cloud storage is often more affordable because the costs of servers and infrastructure are shared across many users. Instead of paying for expensive on-site systems, businesses can use cloud solutions to save money without sacrificing performance.

Better resource use

In a cloud model, the cloud service provider (CSP) handles all the maintenance—servers, hardware, databases, and other infrastructure. This means businesses no longer need to manage on-premises systems or dedicate time and money to keeping them up and running.

Easier access

Cloud-based databases can be accessed by authorized users from any device and location, as long as there’s an internet connection. This level of accessibility is essential for remote employees, where teams need to collaborate seamlessly, no matter where they are.

Scalability

Cloud resources are flexible. Businesses can quickly scale their databases up or down to handle changes in demand. Whether managing seasonal spikes, supporting a growing customer base, or dealing with unexpected surges, the cloud makes it easier and more cost-effective to adjust resources as needed.

Business risks to storing data in the cloud

While cloud storage has many benefits, it also comes with cloud security risks. Here are some challenges businesses may face if proper security measures aren’t in place.

Data breaches

Data breaches in the cloud happen differently from those in on-premises systems. Attackers often exploit misconfigurations, weak access controls, stolen credentials, and other security gaps instead of relying on malware.

Misconfigurations

Misconfigurations are the leading security risk in the cloud. They can result in overly broad account permissions, poor logging, and other gaps that make organizations vulnerable to data breaches, insider threats, and attacks by external adversaries.

Unsecured APIs

APIs connect services and transfer data, but they can create security risks. Changes in data policies or privilege levels can make it easier for unauthorized users to access more data than intended, especially if APIs are not properly secured.

Access control and unauthorized access

In multi-cloud or hybrid environments, organizations often rely on the default access controls provided by their cloud services. This can create issues, particularly when insider threats exploit their privileged access to cause damage or hide their actions.

Compliance and regulatory challenges

Data storage in the cloud must follow rules like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. If your business doesn’t comply, it could face fines and damage its reputation. To stay compliant, businesses must ensure their cloud services meet these rules and handle data correctly.

Shared responsibility model

In the shared responsibility model, security is split between the cloud provider and the business. If businesses don’t fully understand what they’re responsible for, it can create security gaps. Misunderstanding this division can leave systems vulnerable.

6 best practices for securing data in the cloud

To keep data safe, organizations need a strong data security plan that specifically tackles cloud-related risks. As cloud environments introduce unique vulnerabilities, a comprehensive security strategy must address these challenges. Here are six best practices to follow:

Use advanced encryption

Encrypting data is a great way to protect it. This changes data into unreadable text before it enters the cloud. Encrypt both data in transit and at rest. Cloud providers offer built-in encryption, but you can also use your tools for more control.

Implement a data loss prevention (DLP) tool

DLP tools help prevent data loss, leaks, or misuse. They also detect unauthorized access or data breaches. Before you choose a DLP tool, make sure it is designed for a cloud environment.

Ensure visibility across your cloud environments

Get full visibility into your private, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. This helps detect issues like misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and security threats. Cloud security monitoring provides insights that guide actions to fix problems.

Make compliance your priority

Implementing the Zero Trust approach helps align your security policies with industry and government standards. Built on the principle of trust no one, verify everything, it ensures that only authorized users and compliant devices can access sensitive data.

Additionally, Device Posture Security lets you monitor devices connecting to your company network and block non-compliant ones based on predefined rules.

Strengthen identity and access management (IAM)

Identity and access management tools help manage who can access specific resources. They automate tasks like assigning access, updating privileges, and removing accounts. Follow the principle of least privilege—give users only the access they need for their roles.

Securing your data in the cloud with NordLayer

Protecting your data in the cloud is more than just encryption. It’s about implementing a robust, multi-layered security strategy that covers all aspects of cloud access and control.

Here’s how NordLayer can help you take your cloud security to the next level:

1. Secure Remote Access: With NordLayer’s Site-to-Site VPN, you can create a safe, encrypted tunnel to access your cloud, protecting your data from cyber risks.
2. Access control: NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall allows you to implement micro-segmentation strategies, distributing different network access rights for specific users or teams. It adds an extra layer of protection for your critical data, ensuring compliance with stringent data security regulations.
3. Device security: NordLayer’s Device Posture Security ensures that only authorized and compliant devices can access your network. It monitors device compliance and blocks user access from non-compliant devices to safeguard your resources.
4. Multi-layered authentication: Enhance security with Single Sign-On (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to double-check identities seamlessly.

Get in touch with our sales team today to see how NordLayer's solutions can strengthen your cloud data security. Also, be sure to download our Data Security Guide for more in-depth tips and actionable strategies.