Security in the Cloud: What You Need to Know

The need for secure cloud computing and cloud storage is stronger than ever before.

Articles published September 28, 2021 by Bob Bally

Security continues to be enormously important as more businesses shift their sensitive data and applications over to the cloud. This is true across industries. In 2020, U.S. organizations suffered 65,000 ransomware attacks. That roughly translates to seven attacks an hour. In 2021, that number is expected to grow. The need for cloud security, including secure cloud backup and data storage, has never been more apparent.

The good news is that hosted third-party cloud computing services frequently offer higher levels of security against issues that affect traditional IT and cloud systems alike. Potential security concerns include data leaks, weak access controls, vulnerability to attacks, and availability disruptions. Today's cloud computing solutions combine secure data management with on-the-go access to applications and data.

The Security Benefits of Hosted Cloud Services

Enlisting the help of a third-party cloud computing and cloud security provider comes with many benefits. First, hosted cloud backup and data storage reduce IT operating costs. That means switching to a cloud environment tends to require lower upfront spending for businesses.

Additionally, companies are finding that a cloud computing infrastructure provides more technical flexibility and simpler scaling for projects and processes. You won’t have to hire in-house data center operators and personnel. Cloud security provides quick threat identification and repair.

Some business executives may still be hesitant to switch to cloud computing because they don’t believe it is as secure as traditional, on-premise IT systems. But contrary to this belief, research has found that cloud environments are actually more secure for most businesses.

In the Cloud, Security Is Always Top of Mind

In a cloud-based model, enterprises focus more on security and governance than traditional systems. The associated costs of cloud security are often built-in to a hosted cloud services plan. And your level of protection is scalable based on the needs of your business. Overall, a cloud network is more secure because of its strong perimeters and surveillance for legacy systems, controlled access, third-party cybersecurity expertise, and detailed and frequent auditing.

When switching to a cloud-based infrastructure and other cloud services, companies need to rethink how to protect and secure data and applications. Cloud infrastructure involves the hardware and cloud-based software elements — storage, servers, network, and virtualization software — required to support a cloud computing model. In a cloud computing model, computing resources are provided over the internet. Cloud computing providers such as Aureon control the physical or virtual cloud server that is hosted and delivered via a cloud platform.

Cloud Security Considerations for Your Business

Here are some recommendations for what businesses need to consider as they are switching to cloud security with a cloud services provider. Note that a cloud services or managed IT services provider can also help you assess your current IT system and determine security needs.

Examine Your Existing Cybersecurity Plan

Take a look at your existing cybersecurity plan and precautions. What needs to change as you switch your resources and data over to the cloud? This includes plans to manage the cloud perimeter. Think about what applications need updates to align with risk tolerance, existing application architecture, resources, and cloud strategy.

Rewriting code or changing architectures for cloud applications results in stronger security, better performance, and lower operating costs. According to McKinsey, the majority of companies refrain from rearchitecting applications because redesigning applications for cloud-based services can slow the migration rate. Instead, they just migrate the applications without altering them for the cloud. This presents a problem because the cybersecurity model will not fulfill the needs of the cloud system, opening cloud infrastructure solutions to attacks and breaches.

Develop New Cybersecurity Controls and Determine Responsibilities

Many companies are quick to rely on cybersecurity controls outlined by a hosted cloud services provider, but this process is different from traditional outsourcing. You should review third-party cybersecurity controls and adjust internal processes to sync up accordingly. You also determine responsibilities for internal and external teams to make sure there are no cybersecurity gaps.

When your controls and responsibilities are in alignment with your cloud services provider, the easier it is to quickly identify and fix problems as they happen. This helps avoid any unnecessary downtime and also keeps your data and applications more secure against cyber attacks.

Keep Your Data Safe in the Cloud

Cloud computing companies like Aureon provide the cloud solutions and infrastructure support you need to ensure your data and applications are safe. Aureon cloud services use automated and managed solutions to secure and store critical data and applications for businesses. Our cloud-based technology saves time and money by reducing the storage footprint. With Aureon cloud backup and data recovery, you benefit from encryption to ensure privacy and protection of sensitive data, supportive IT cloud solutions, and responsive monitoring and maintenance.

Are you thinking about making the switch to the cloud, but unsure of your security options? A cloud services partner can help ease the transition.