Perhaps the most consistent concerns raised by private and public sectors alike with respect to the cloud data are the risks it poses for security and privacy. However, its proponents believe that there are also gains from migrating to the cloud that may offset the risks for some users.

In both areas, the challenges posed arise out of the same characteristics that make it an attractive option for organisations. The following are some of the concerns and the methods that ensure security:

Data encryption: One of the most fundamental problems faced by organisations who want to migrate to the cloud is how to protect their data from theft and unauthorised access. Data encryption is a method that can build stronger controls around data in a multi tenant environment that are stored on a physical drive and minimise the security concerns.

Stronger passwords: This ensures that your data vulnerable to risks can be minimised. It is advisable to use unique passwords for authentication on multiple websites.

Intrusion detection: It ensures that the security is maintained intact through systematic tracing and examination of logs, firewalls and network traffic.

Application delivery system: Through precisely accurate application delivery system, such measures can be taken into consideration to prevent security risks.

Transparent technologies: As more services migrate to the network, record keeping and clear and consistent authentication and access controls become of paramount importance. A cohesive system of recordkeeping with regard to authentication, authorisation and accounting helps in-house and providers track and respond to security incidents.

Data backup: Foremost method of securing loss of data is by backing it up. Creating a data asset catalog, considering all forms privacy requirements, securing availability, confidentiality and integrity procedures can secure from security breaches.

Vulnerability scanning for cloud networks: A cloud service provider must allow legitimate network and block malicious traffic. Nevertheless, customers should expect certain external network perimeter safety measures.

Enforcing terms and conditions: Data protection requires imposing limitations on the use and accessibility identifiable information, based on policies that are written by non-IT personnel. Enforcement of such limitations implies associated requirements to tag the data appropriately, store it securely and to permit access only by authorised users.

This requires appropriate controls and supporting infrastructure. Enterprises are responsible for defining policies to address privacy concerns and raise awareness of data protection within their organisation. They are also responsible for ensuring that their cloud providers adhere to the defined privacy policies.

Two-factor authentication: This ensures secure login and eliminates the risk of security threats. When the authentication protocols are in place, the system is less likely to be attacked.

Use anti hacking tools along with antivirus: Having a good antivirus ensures safety but just to be doubly sure, anti hacking tools can add an edge to the existing physical infrastructure and ensure seamless performance of security services.

Strengthen wifi security: Wifi security is one of the major prerequisites for a sound security system. The stronger the wifi security, the lesser the system is vulnerable to attacks. The cloud service provider should be able to deliver standard measures to prevent attacks, and at the same time, should be able to proactively respond to any vulnerabilities and take immediate actions. It is exquisitely important to maintain regulatory compliance, long term integrity, investigative support, when it comes to providing security.

The writer is co-founder and chief executive officer, Solutions Infini Technologies India Pvt Ltd