Cloud Data Management - 5 Pillars To Know

Introduction to Cloud Data Management

Managing and securing data can be a challenging task, especially now with the cloud. With cloud-based storage, businesses can maintain large volumes of information, documents, and data. It also lets multiple people access these resources remotely from any location and device. These functionalities can boost a brand's agility and competitiveness, but only if all of the data is controlled properly. Therefore, organizations need to develop a cloud data management system.

What is Cloud Data Management?

Cloud data management is the method of overseeing and tracking data from different cloud platforms. Some of these functions include backing up data, ensuring regulatory compliance, analytics, and archival.

These practices are similar to traditional legacy management systems but are modified for cloud standards. This is because the capabilities of the cloud expand beyond legacy platforms, allowing for multiple access and large storage. Therefore, data that is in the cloud has its own demands for data integrity and security.

5 Pillars of Cloud Data Management

A cloud management system will vary, depending on the cloud provider and a business's needs. Organizations should review the conditions and terms outlined in their vendor agreements and ensure that appropriate measures are in place. The following are 5 key pillars that a cloud data management strategy should have.

1. Protect Storage

When data is not being analyzed and translated, it is sitting in cloud storage. This storage system needs to be protected with firewalls, which is a security device that monitors incoming and outgoing website traffic. It is also critical that the stored data is encrypted. With encryption, information is converted into an unrecognizable code. This ensures that only authorized users have access to the data.

Encryption also prevents sensitive information from being stolen and disseminated because the code will be unintelligible without an encryption key. Organizations should make sure that all their staff's devices are protected. They should also outline regulations to ensure their employees are taking the necessary precaution to prevent hacking and breaches.

2. Control Access to Data

While it is important that all employees can review information whenever and wherever they need it, access must be controlled. Business owners should assess which person needs to obtain which data and create access rights accordingly. Therefore, when someone wants to view data, they must be authenticated. This will control and prevent unauthorized retrieval of resources.

Their data transaction should also be recorded for audits. In the case that data is accidentally altered, the business can trace these actions back to a user. Additionally, organizations can create access controls to scan devices for viruses and malware.

3. Secure Data Transit

A cloud data management system should have a secure and encrypted pipeline between the user and their device. Doing so will prevent any interceptor from viewing the data as it is being transferred. Organizations can protect their moving data by using firewalls and a virtual private network (VPN).

4. Authenticate Arriving Data

Once data is transported, it should arrive untampered and authenticated. Staff should perform data integrity checks to make sure the incoming information is validated and correct. This will minimize instances of viruses and data breaches, such as phishing attacks. Phishing refers to when fraudulent emails are sent from sources purporting to be a reputable person in order for the receiver to reveal sensitive information or to download malware.

5. Backup and Recover Data

Although the 4 previous pillars will help to protect and manage data, accidents and cyber threats may occur unexpectedly in the future. Organizations should have processes in place that ensure data is backed up regularly. There must also be a recovery system so that any lost data can be retrieved correctly and quickly. To simplify data recovery, it is recommended to store backups of data in different cloud accounts.

Benefits of Cloud Data Management

Developing a cloud data management system provides many advantages for businesses. The following are benefits to overseeing data.

Improved Security

Cloud data management strategies improve security by implementing measures, such as firewalls and encryptions. This ensures sensitive business and confidential client information is protected from hackers and malware.

Enhanced Scalability

Generally, cloud management providers allow users to purchase features whenever necessary. This allows businesses to scale their services based on their current demands. For example, if a brand is generating less data than in previous years, it can cut down on its storage space. This allows the company to save money and avoid purchasing features they will not use.

Better Data Quality

A well-developed cloud management system will help brands improve their data quality and ensure a single source of truth for all information. It also prevents data silos since resources can be shared and accessed quickly by multiple users.

Automated Updates

Many cloud services will run software updates automatically to ensure data is consistently protected with new technology. This means businesses will not have to delay operations or rely on IT specialists to manually update systems.

Promote Sustainability

Storing data in the cloud allows organizations to go digital and reduce their use of paper. Additionally, it enables employees to telecommute since they can review information from the comfort of their homes. This helps to reduce the carbon footprints caused by driving to and from the office.