Cloud Data Encryption For Lawyers

Cloud Data Encryption For Lawyers

Cloud security has been in question ever since cloud computing first began its popular surge several years ago. However, in recent years it has improved to the point where it is just as secure, if not more, than on-premise implementations- if the proper security policies are followed and optional features are implemented. In this article we will take a look at cloud data encryption and data loss, and how to prevent it.

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Security in the cloud

The vast majority of problems with security in the cloud come from human error incidents. Files get misplaced or accidentally deleted or security measures are overlooked or bypassed in return for convenience. Here are some of the top reasons for security incidents in the cloud.

Weak passwords

 Passwords are the main line of defense that cloud accounts have against attackers and if you've seen the top 25 list of most commonly used passwords, you should know how weak the authentication measures that people use can be.

Add two-step verification

Most cloud services have added optional verification measures which should be implemented. The most common is two-step verification. This measure allows users to have a secondary line of defense if an attacker gains access to your password. When you enter your password to login, a code will be sent to your mobile device. Then you enter the code that was sent to your mobile device and access to the account will be granted. This means that if an attacker gains access to your password, he will also have to have access to your cell phone or other mobile device in order to gain access to the account.

Cloud encryption does not offer users control over the encryption

Many cloud services offer encryption, but the encryption does not allow users to control the encryption values. This means once the file leaves the user's hard drive, the security is no longer in their control. There are several third-party encryption services that allow users to encrypt their files before the files ever leave their space, but many companies do not require this in their security policies.

Backup your encrypted files to the cloud

In order to prevent data loss, a solid backup plan must be set in place. The cloudHQ cloud backup service is the perfect solution for law firms as it offers secure backup of all (or specific) files, folders and documents from one main cloud account to a backup cloud account. So if you use Evernote to take quick notes and annotations, Google Drive for document management, and Basecamp for project (and case) management, all of the data from these cloud services can be securely backed up to a single backup cloud account using a cloud storage provider such as Dropbox or Box. Dropbox offers simple file sharing with no file size limits while Box offers better security. This also allows lawyers to create a single database with all of the data from multiple cloud services to be stored and neatly organized in a centralized location for simple searching and backup.

CloudHQ is currently offering a free, fully-functional, 15-day trial which allows lawyers to determine if cloudHQ is the right fit for their law firm. Don't wait until a data loss incident has destroyed your law firm, take control of your data security now.

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