Security should be a major consideration when it comes to storing your company's critical data in the cloud. Cloud providers should have several standard security measures in place and constantly update them, Foreman says. "You've got to be sure that you're completely comfortable with your cloud provider's approach to security."
Security measures to look for include firewalls, anti-virus detection, multifactor user authentication and data encryption, and routine security audits. It's also important to ask who at the cloud company will have access to your data in the cloud and whether the cloud provider does employee background checks to weed out potential cybercriminals or identity thieves.
Foreman says providers also should answer questions about compliance with government legislation specific to your industry. For example, if your business is in the healthcare industry, you'll want to be sure your cloud provider is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which deals with patient data privacy and security.