There are definite security risks attached to cloud storage that you would be wise to know about so that you don’t end up compromising data and being targeted by hackers.

Data security should be a number one priority when looking at your cloud storage options and that is one reason why you might end up searching cyber security Perth, for instance, so that you get the peace of mind required.

Meantime, here’s a look at five specific types of data that should not be stored in the cloud, and the reasons why that is not a good idea.

Personal data is always a red flag

Any type of personal information that can be traced back to a specific individual is always going to be a premium risk that is best avoided when it comes to cloud storage.

It should stand to reason that any documentation that contains sensitive personal data such as date of birth, social security numbers, or anything that could be compromised if falling into the wrong hands, should not find its way onto the cloud.

If you feel you need to save personal data for any reason it would be wise to use two-step authentication as an extra layer of security.

Critical business information

Another potentially dangerous practice would be to store data that could be considered critical to your daily operation.

Any mission-critical information that could severely impact your ability to carry out daily business tasks could cost you lost revenue if this data is compromised.

Again, if you feel that you need to have this data backed up on the cloud it would be a smart move to use an encrypted cloud service as an essential layer of protection.

You don’t want tax details compromised

In much the same way that personal data should be protected at all costs the same goes for sensitive business information such as tax details.

If cybercriminals are able to get hold of your tax information it could allow them to target your business for financial gain.

Legal documentation

Any information that outlines your business’s litigation strategies or gives competitors a potential edge if they have the inside track on your company should be protected at all costs.

There is little doubt that storing any litigation or legal strategy documentation on the cloud represents an unacceptable commercial risk without the right level of protection from attack.

Medical information always needs protecting

It is worrying to see how many business owners decide that it is okay to store vital information such as medical files on the cloud.

Having this data potentially available will make your business more of a target for identity theft. There is also the issue of data compliance and regulatory controls, which may be breached if you don’t sore medical data with the right level of security.

The types of data highlighted are prime examples of what sort of data should not be uploaded to the cloud. Only consider doing this if you can get the necessary reassurances that security measures will prevent access.

Even then, would you really want this sort of data to get into the wrong hands?