Why Is Cloud Security Important?

Cloud computing is an increasingly attractive strategy for companies that need versatile, affordable solutions for data storage and processing. The idea — to use outside vendors that provide software applications and other technology solutions to your business via “the cloud” — has been gaining traction for years. The pandemic and our subsequent massive shift to remote work have made cloud computing all the more imperative. 

Which also makes cloud security all the more imperative, too.

For example, market research suggests that the use of multi-clouds (different clouds for different functions within the same company) will continue to rise; that will give companies more potential vulnerabilities to consider. Meanwhile, the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) will allow your company to tailor cloud-based solutions to your needs — but it also creates more possible targets for cyberattacks and other security threats. 

Hence your cloud security strategy is more important than ever before. 

Why do we need cloud security?

Any internet-based system needs to be monitored and tested on a regular basis. While cloud solutions are convenient, they expand the number of potential security vulnerabilities, which means they also expand the scope of your risk assessments, monitoring, and audits. So it’s critical that you integrate cloud security into your risk management and disaster recovery plans. 

What are the benefits of cloud computing?

Cloud solutions are flexible and user-friendly. They can also be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional storage methods that require a physical server and hardware on your corporate premises. 

Implementing a “public” cloud solution (a strictly off-site cloud service run by a separate company) or a hybrid cloud system (a combination of public and private cloud services) can also help to combat security challenges. Popular providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) operate under a shared responsibility security model where some security responsibilities belong to the provider, and others to the customer. 

The important word there, however, is some security responsibilities — not all of them. A cloud customer can never become lax with security policies. Be sure to review the terms of your agreement with your cloud service provider upfront, to understand who is liable in the event of a security breach. 

Is the cloud secure for my content?

The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean you can be complacent about security solutions. Cybersecurity threats change constantly, and you must be vigilant in your defense against data breaches and malware. By practicing due diligence, implementing firewalls and effective access management, and creating access controls such as two-factor authentication, you can feel assured that your cloud data is safe.

How can security, governance, and compliance issues be addressed by cloud security?

The implementation of cloud storage compliance protocols is similar to that of any information security program. Your company should know what its obligations are, ensure that security controls are in place to uphold those requirements and test the effectiveness of those controls on a regular basis. If your program uses a public cloud, it’s also crucial to understand what controls and tests those cloud providers use to protect customer data from unauthorized access. 

Cloud data security is a concern you cannot afford to overlook. Taking the time to ensure that proper data protection is in place is your best defense against security breaches and potential data loss.