Data security in the cloud: what Quebec companies need to know
Why cloud security has become a priority issue in Quebec
The growing adoption of cloud computing is transforming the way Quebec companies manage their data and applications. While this transition offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility and cost reduction, it also raises major concerns about data security. Understanding the associated risks, essential safeguards and regulatory obligations is crucial for any organization wishing to migrate securely to the cloud.
Data security risks in the cloud
Data breaches and loss of sensitive information
Data breaches are one of the main threats to companies using cloud services. These incidents can result in the loss of sensitive information, damage the organization’s reputation and generate considerable financial costs.
Internal threats and human error
In addition to external attacks, internal threats such as human error or malicious actions on the part of employees also represent a significant risk. An IBM study in 2023 revealed that malicious internal breaches, although less frequent (8% of cases), cost the companies concerned an average of 7.98 million Canadian dollars.
Regulatory compliance and legal requirements
Quebec companies must comply with strict data protection regulations. Bill 25, for example, requires organizations to take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against loss, theft or unauthorized access. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in legal sanctions and substantial fines.
Essential measures for securing data in the cloud
Data encryption
Data encryption is a crucial technique for protecting sensitive information stored or transmitted via the cloud. By making data inaccessible without the appropriate decryption key, encryption ensures that even in the event of unauthorized access, information remains protected.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to data. This approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised.
Regular backups and disaster recovery
Performing regular data backups in the cloud is an essential practice for preventing data loss. These backups must be automated, encrypted and stored in a separate environment. At the same time, a disaster recovery plan ensures that systems can be quickly brought back into service in the event of a major breakdown, data corruption or data breach.
Companies that ensure the redundancy of their data storage, whether on site or in another data center, considerably strengthen their security posture.
Shared responsibilities in cloud environments
In a cloud model, data security is not just the responsibility of the cloud service provider. It is also the responsibility of the user company. This so-called shared responsibility model implies that :
- The cloud provider is responsible for the security of the cloud infrastructure, including the network, servers and virtualization systems.
- The enterprise is responsible for the security of applications, stored data, cloud resources and access rights.
Misunderstanding this allocation is one of the most frequent causes of security problems in the public cloud.
Regulatory specifics in Quebec
Since Bill 25 came into force, Quebec organizations have had to rethink their approach to data privacy. This includes
- Appointing a person responsible for the security of personal information.
- Implementing internal policies to protect sensitive data.
- Conducting privacy impact assessments (PIAs) for projects involving a cloud provider or a new cloud system.
Choosing a data center located in Quebec or Canada that complies with local laws is becoming a priority criterion for many companies wishing to ensure that their data and the applications accessing it remain compliant.
Recommended best practices for protecting data in the cloud
To reinforce their cloud security strategy, companies can apply the following practices:
- Limit access to data by fine-tuning user roles.
- Implement continuous monitoring of activities on their cloud platforms.
- Use cloud-integrated EDR/XDR security tools.
- Ensure that all suppliers have recognized certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2).
- Schedule regular cloud security audits.
- Train employees in cloud security risks.
These measures help to ensure data security, even in a complex, hybrid cloud environment.
The role of local providers like Lognet
In a context where data sovereignty, compliance and proximity are increasingly sensitive issues, many Quebec companies are choosing to rely on locally-based cloud service providers.
Lognet, for example, offers cloud infrastructure operated in Quebec, with a high level of security and an approach focused on data protection. By hosting data in a Quebec data center, companies reduce security risks, while ensuring that their solution complies with Bill 25 and other Canadian regulations.
What’s more, our proximity to our customers means that our security teams are more responsive, and can provide more personalized support in implementing measures tailored to the specific needs of each organization.
Securing the cloud, a strategic lever for local businesses
The cloud can considerably improve business performance, flexibility and efficiency. But this cannot happen without rigorous attention to cloud security. To protect sensitive data, avoid security incidents, and ensure regulatory compliance, it’s imperative to combine the right technologies, the right partners, and strong internal governance.
Cloud security depends not only on the tools used, but also on companies’ ability to build a coherent security strategy, based on informed choices of cloud services, internal processes, and trusted partners.