In an age of increasing cyber threats, the security of cloud storage is of the utmost importance. So how secure is Microsoft’s cloud, and can you trust Microsoft 365 cloud storage to keep your data safe?
What Is Microsoft’s cloud?
Microsoft’s cloud powers the applications on its 365 licensing. Its cloud is a series of around 16 globally-located, advanced data centres that operate 24/7/365.
Microsoft 365 stores your data in these locations, meaning you can access data from anywhere as long as you have a secure internet connection and your login credentials.
You can also share files with trusted users, simplifying collaboration on projects and group tasks.
How Microsoft secures cloud data
With Microsoft’s cloud, there are a various security measures in place to protect your data.
Microsoft data centres are designed for security: locations are strategically selected to minimize risk from floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Data centres use climate control to monitor and maintain conditions. And fire detection and suppression systems, as well as water sensors, help to detect and prevent fire or water damage to equipment.
Files and folders stored in Microsoft’s data centres are also cross-replicated. This means your data is typically stored at a secondary location in case of any incident at the primary data centre (eg. hardware failure, power outage or catastrophic incident).
While Microsoft stores data, its employees are unable to see the content of files thanks to strict controls and encryption. Physical access to data is also blocked through barrier security measures, including security guards and locks on servers.
Microsoft’s advanced security technology also prevents unauthorised digital access, with firewalls and threat detection in place to block any attempts to view data.
Given these measures, the operation of data centres complies with business standards including ISO, GDPR, HIPAA and SOC 1 and 2.
Further security for Microsoft 365 cloud
From Microsoft’s side then, data is highly secure. So the only way to get your data would be by finding a weakness in your login credentials.
In order to maintain security, Microsoft 365 provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) with many of its licenses. This requires users to enter a one-time security code, a physical USB authentication key, or a fingerprint whenever a user logs in on an untrusted device.
Adding an additional layer of security thereby prevents access even when someone has your password – ensuring your data stays safe
For more information on Microsoft 365 security, please get in touch:
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