Today, both corporate and individual customers are rapidly using cloud services. Although business users typically use cloud-based CRM and Advertising software such as Salesforce and Infusion Soft, individuals use software such as Gmail and Dropbox. There has been a steady change in the last few years to use cloud-hosted software. Consumers are becoming increasingly confident not only accessing apps off the cloud but also storing sensitive data, files, and cloud documents. Cloud computing is a form of Internet-based computing that provides computers and other devices on-demand with shared computer processing resources and data. It is a model allowing omnipresent, on-demand access to a common pool of configurable computing resources. Nevertheless, security remains an area of concern. According to the spotlight study from Cloud Security, about 22 percent of information security professionals see security as a weakness for cloud-based solutions. And the Cloud Adoption Practices survey indicates that data protection issues are among the key obstacles holding back cloud initiatives with 73 percent. Although cloud providers have extremely sophisticated data and application security strategies in place, it is recommended that end users be aware of certain forms and methods that will ensure a secure experience when using the cloud. Cloud computing protection initiatives are critical for grasping your information better and making the most of the benefits of cloud technology. Various tips to improve cloud security Deploy multi-factor authentication – Often, the standard combination of username and passwords is inadequate to secure user accounts from hackers, and stolen credentials are one of the key ways hackers access your online business data. They will log into all those cloud-based apps and services that you use every day to run your company once they have your user credentials. Protect yourself with multi-factor authentication-also known as two-factor authentication-to ensure that only approved staff can sign in and access confidential data to your cloud apps. Manage Your User Access to Improve Cloud Computing Security – Setting proper authorization rates ensures that each employee can only access or control the applications or data he or she needs to perform their job. Assigning access rights to users not only helps prevent an employee from unintentionally modifying information that he or she is not allowed to access but also protects you from hackers who have stolen credentials from an employee. Track, register, and evaluate user behaviors with Automated Intruder Detection Solutions – Real-time tracking and user behavior analysis will help you detect inconsistency that deviates from standard patterns of usage. Create a Comprehensive off-boarding Process to Protect against Departing Employees – When employees leave your company, make sure they no longer have access to your systems, records, customer information, and intellectual property. Because each employee will likely have access to several different cloud services and systems, you need a systemized de-provisioning mechanism to ensure that any leaving employee’s access rights are waived. Provide Anti-Phishing Training – Hackers can gain access to sensitive information by stealing login credentials from employees using social engineering techniques such as phishing, spoofing websites and spying on social media. Consider Cloud to Cloud Backup Solutions – Any cloud technology suite or network has legitimate risks to it and therefore you must keep a backup. Conclusion Cloud computing provides some impressive advantages: Limitless storage, access to lightning-quick processing resources, the ability to upload and process information quickly, etc. Cloud storage is usually a far more cost-effective alternative and if you take the right precautions, it’s certainly safer. We at SOFTIEONS TECHNOLOGY work according to our customer’s requirements.