Organizations today are deploying cloud computing to help them remain flexible and efficient during tough economic times. However, companies utilizing the need to ensure data remains protected, according to a report by law firm Sheehan Phinney Bass and Green.

Cloud data security should be understood by all levels of the company. Therefore, IT staff should educate employees about best practices on how to access or move information in cloud-based environments, the law firm noted.

These best practices include going over data classification programs and how different types of information are labeled, Sheehan Phinney Bass and Green said.

Additionally, organizations should press the fact that employees are responsible for the data, the firm continued. Individuals should also be told at exit interviews that they still have a certain level of responsibility over sensitive business information.

Companies need to consider the cloud provider's stance on data security, as discussed through the service-level agreement, Small Business Computing noted. If a vendor's ideals doesn't match up to an organization's philosophies, decision-makers should consider searching for a different cloud distributor.