Cloud Security and Why You Need It

Cloud is a network of servers where each has a different function. Serviceteam IT has written a series of blogs surrounding the benefits and uptake of the cloud and in 2017 and 2018’s research reports. However, when you are choosing a cloud security provider, organisations will need to consider the level of data privacy and security at risk.

Organisations across the world are increasing their software-as-a-service subscriptions. Software-as-a-service is a method of software delivery and licencing in which software is accessed online rather than installed on individual computers. Therefore, a cloud-first future operating environment seems realistic.

However, as with everything, large volumes of data on cloud servers is gold for cyber criminals. Security can be either a concern for cloud users or a major tool to address your security challenges!

Since Serviceteam IT’s research on the Cloud in 2017 and 2018, spending on cloud security solutions is forecasted to double to $459bn. With great investment comes great opportunities for change.

How does the Cloud link to Security?

There has been a huge growth in the maturity of cloud computing. Technological advancements in cloud services brought significant cost savings, quick deployment and on-demand scalability.

I had previously considered the use of cloud services in terms of its ease of use and inter-connectivity in a commercial setting. However, thinking further about cyber-security, on-premise solutions can be outdated in their cyber-security elements due to their fixed infrastructure.

Cyber-security is a growing concern. I am sure we have all received a phishing email, spam other related cyber-security attempt. Commercial businesses also need to be concerned about multi-party cyber-attacks and their increasing sophistication. The ‘Beyond the Cloud’ 2018 research also found an increasing diversity of sources of these attacks.

How could the Cloud Help?

Cloud security providers have the potential to aid addressing gaps in cyber-security. Although protecting against cyber criminals is a continuous job there is a skills gap in cyber-security in the labour market. By concentrating these specialists on cloud security, a domino effect could occur between increasing the economy of scale thereby increasing enterprise revenue.

After doing a bit of research, it appears considering a cloud solution as well as on-premise options is the most effective approach to cyber-security at this current time.

If you are wondering about the cost or applicability of what I proposed, arguably for small and medium enterprises this would be the most effective for a limited budget or technology sector, cloud security may be the most cost-effective option.

How do you know which cloud provider to use?

Before selecting any provider, it is preferable to understand what data you have. Hopefully this will be easier than the days before GDPR.

There are four main considerations which need to be made:

1. The type of data and the level of data privacy that your organisation needs will be key to this decision.
2. understand the service providers’ identity and access management policies.
3. if your organisation has confidential data and/or are a transnational company, checking the data privacy laws could prevent regulatory compliance risks.
4. Assess whether a blanket cloud security solution is the most effective for your organisation’s long-term business objectives.

It is not an easy job to find a provider which best suits your organisation. It is always tempting to look at the lowest-cost provider (I do this with everything). Ultimately however, considerations about your strategy and goals will be the key to the success of your cloud services.

Overall, adaptations to cloud-based security is allowing diversity of businesses and industries access to the technology. Keep looking out for the application which would best suit you!