Methods that can be used to protect data stored in the cloud.

Encryption
Encryption is an essential way to protect data stored in the cloud. By encrypting data both at rest and in transit, companies can ensure that their information remains secure and unreadable even if it is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties. Strong encryption protocols, such as AES-256 for data at rest and TLS/SSL for data in transit, provide strong security. In addition, end-to-end encryption, where data is encrypted on the user's device and is only decrypted by the intended recipient, provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring maximum security throughout the data lifecycle.

Access Controls
Implementing strong access controls is critical to protecting cloud data. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple verification factors to access data. Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that users only have access to data and resources necessary for their roles, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Identity and access management (IAM) solutions help manage user identities and enforce consistent access policies across cloud environments, further strengthening data security. 

Backup and restore data
Regular data backups and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan are vital to protecting cloud data. Scheduling frequent backups ensures that data can be recovered in the event of accidental deletion, corruption, or cyber-attacks. A well-maintained disaster recovery plan outlines procedures for recovering data after system failure or security breaches, minimizing downtime and data loss. These measures ensure business continuity and protection against various data loss scenarios.