Of the concerns around adopting cloud services, many are related to safety of data and personal information. To give a balanced picture, all sides must be considered in depth. Every business is different and has unique cloud computing needs, so your services, infrastructure, or platform requires a specialized approach to cyber security — especially around cloud computing. Here’s an overview of the three different types of cloud computing and how to ensure their safe usage.
“Cloud computing can be safe if you have robust cloud computing security,” says Maurice Hamilton, President of Infinavate Consulting. “By robust cloud computing security, I mean that you should have a plan of action to combat attacks if and when they happen.”
“Do you know you have been attacked and what is your response to an attack?” he adds. “We are always advising our companies of the thing they need to be looking out for. We work backwards from potential attacks and formulate a solid infrastructure to keep your data in the cloud safe.”
Before we can truly address security, we must first clearly define and understand cloud computing.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Today, everything from data storage to software platforms is performed over through cloud computing and fueled by the internet. Cloud computing is relied on by individual consumers and large corporations to do business, process payments, share information, organize work, and make processes more efficient.
Previously, a group of expensive, space-hogging in-house servers stored data, hardware, and systems. They required people and resources to maintain and support them and were at risk of data loss if damaged or accessed. In the day and age of the cloud, all this hardware is now housed at an external location. A cloud computing user now pays for ongoing access as they might for renting space, a subscription service, or retained services.
Cloud computing is the umbrella to many branch services that are ingrained in the day-to-day life of companies and consumers. These include email services, accounting platforms, document sharing, sales management tools, and even product development work.
Focused verticals such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS) have emerged in recent years as the most popular cloud computing programs. Providers in each subset have been able to leverage innovative technology to streamline processes, scale services, and save companies on overhead costs. Businesses can keep up on the latest tech simply by paying for monthly services versus an investment of in-house expertise or constant custom platform development.
What Security is Provided by Cloud Computing Vendors?
Some of the largest cloud computing providers include Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud. Many of these services provide their own form of security. When connecting to these and other platforms, you’ll still want secondary or backup security processes in place to lock down your data.
Many companies use multiple vendors and a long list of cloud computing platforms, especially in the SaaS category. Connections and integrations across platforms can leave data at risk. That’s why it’s key to have a big-picture strategy and comprehensive security plan to protect your sensitive information.
“Businesses need to have several steps in place for a comprehensive safe cloud computing platform,” says Hamilton. “For example, we do quarterly penetration tests for companies with an audit of their infrastructure. This is especially important in an industry with regulations such as healthcare, banking, and retail.”
How Do I Choose a Secure Cloud Computing Partner?
While there are disadvantages to every service or platform, cloud computing companies are constantly enhancing their security protocols. Because more and more information is being stored online, it is important to choose a company that makes regular security improvements and clearly communicates them to you. Some of these features might include data encryption, back-up systems, and restricted user controls, multiple-factor verification processes, blockchain, and other technologies.
When evaluating cloud computing vendors, organizations will have different priorities based on their industry and protection needs. A company in healthcare, storing patient data and medical records, might have a different focus than an online publisher. That’s why an important component of any cloud computing service is to choose a trusted, vetted implementation partner, with years of experience in cyber security projects. They will help you reach your short-term goal (security) while looking to your long-term potential (which platforms and systems will deliver transformative innovation).
“Cloud security needs to be taken seriously,” says Hamilton. “It’s crucial that you create a security plan where all the steps outline how to respond to all stakeholders in the event of a security breach. We work with our clients to implement software applications, to keep data locked down with as much security as possible.”
Key Takeaway: Lean on the Expertise of an Independent Cyber Security Provider
When searching for a cyber security provider, do your research. Ask specific questions about what security procedures they have put in place for other companies. Have them explain their plan for cyber attacks and how to mitigate data loss risk. Their answers will give you insight into how they care for your information and overall technology strategy.
“Cyber security is no joke,” says Hamilton. “Companies without a strong Information Technology partner are leaving themselves at extremely high risk of exposure. We’ve seen cyber attacks increase by 65% over the last year and it is important that businesses stay on top of it as an everyday event.”
Cloud computing can be a powerful source of freedom for any business, no matter the size or market. Schedule a call with Infinavate today to discover how the right platforms, with adequate security measures, can move you to reach your maximum potential.