Cloud security is defined as all aspects of protecting cloud-based data and systems anything that you store or run from remote servers accessible via the internet.
Why is cloud security important?
As with any type of computing, using the cloud for your business comes with risks. While cloud-based computing is typically considered to be safer than traditional computing, there are numerous instances of high-profile hacks. In 2012, when cloud computing was in its infancy, file-sharing site Dropbox announced that it had been targeted by cybercriminals. The perpetrators successfully stole 68 million passwords, which were then sold on the dark web.
Since then, cloud computing security has advanced enormously, but risks remain as cybercriminals develop new forms of network attack.
Data breaches are not always the result of criminal activity. They can also occur through negligence or human error. For example, employees that access the cloud from unsecured devices or in a public place can expose confidential data. 2019 saw 108 million betting records exposed due to provider Elasticsearch not password-protecting their server.
How does cloud security work?
Cloud security services work by bringing together a range of protective measures to keep your business data safe. Due to the nature of cloud technology, this involves, but is not limited to, antivirus. Cloud computing differs from traditional computing in that data is not stored locally, such as on laptops or mobiles. That means that security solutions must be applied to an entire network, rather than to individual devices.
Centralizing your data security
It can be hard to manage the security of data in the cloud as it has no perimeter – it’s not a simple case of adding an antivirus solution to your in-house server. Rather, it comprises strong authorization and data encryption processes. With that in mind, centralized security solutions are ideal for businesses because updates can be applied to the whole network at once.
Centralized cloud network security allows managers to:
- Make backups from a central point, rather than relying on individual management.
- Apply firewall configurations across the network to manage ingoing and outgoing web traffic.
- Review security threats detected and actioned by antivirus solutions.
- Create and manage device and user authorizations.
Reducing costs
Cloud security systems are a cost-effective option for businesses that use cloud services. It requires little human input as security threats are managed proactively, with the system engineer or manager taking on a monitoring role. That frees up resources within the business.
Conclusion: A combination of procedures and tools created to protect data and files kept in a cloud environment is cloud security. Any cloud-based IT infrastructure strategy must include a strategy for safeguarding sensitive data in the cloud. Data saved in the cloud is kept private and complies with regulations thanks to cloud security.