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The terms cloud computing and cloud security have now become household names, and not just because they are a recent innovation but primarily due to their growing importance and use across industries and across the world.

73 percent of organizations have at least one application or a portion of their computing infrastructure in the cloud, according to Forbes.

Cloud has come of Age

Image Source: Forbes

But despite the ballooning numbers of cloud computing users, one thing remains a hot issue not just among those who are using the service but also among the many that are yet to jump onto the bandwagon. Cloud security.

Cloud computing is a billion-dollar industry with over US$950 billion reportedly having been spent in 2020 alone worldwide.

Public Cloud Market

Image Source: Statista

What is cloud security and why is it super important?

Cloud security is a system of policies, procedures, technologies, and control techniques that help to protect systems, infrastructure, and data stored in the cloud from unauthorized access, theft, leakage, and deletion.

This policy system helps protect cloud data and protect customers’ privacy. It also sets authentication rules for users and devices.

Odds are you are using cloud solutions in both your personal and your professional life. Which brings up a thorny subject, one that has been a pain in the side of cloud providers since the early days of the industry: cloud security.

Today’s users are savvy; they need to know that their data is protected or they won’t use a certain solution. This is why cloud security has now become a must-have with new figures showing that 1 in 7 firms suffers weekly cyberattacks.

Image Source: Business Ware

Among the top cloud security challenges is the fact that the system is vulnerable to breaches. Some cloud service providers have excellent security measures to keep your data safe. Thus, the cloud security risks are fewer than the benefits they bring to the table.

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Cloud Security

  1. Cloud security makes computers last more

With cloud security, you will not need to replace your laptops or PCs as regularly as you usually would. Computers are mostly replaced because of newer and more up-to-date software.

There is no need for this if you are using cloud software. This is because cloud services and their respective security add-ons only use a web browser.

Using the browser, even older computers can access the software without any need for upgrading.

  1. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution

Just as there are different computing software, there are also different types of clouds designed to cater to different kinds of needs. These include a private cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud. There is also a managed cloud and an unmanaged cloud. 

Other types of clouds also include domestic, international, large, and small clouds. It goes to show that there are many cloud-based security solutions that you can use. They all have their benefits and limitations. To get the best cloud security solutions you have to match your software, security, and data storage needs to the right cloud type.

  1. Even with the best, you still need backups

If you want to get the most out of the cloud solutions you use, you need to make sure you are backing up your data regularly. Most people take this for granted, and they end up losing valuable data. 

Cloud security isn’t infallible. It’s also prone to errors. To be on the safe side, you need to do more than just store your data offsite on the cloud. Make sure you store your data on your site just in case anything happens. Doing this is going to help you control your data, no matter what happens.

  1. Your data is more secure in the cloud

This is pretty much a given. The building blocks of cloud security architecture include enterprise-class hardware. Apart from that, these services have the protection of enterprise-class security systems. This combination makes the cloud one of the safest and more secure storage systems.

  1. You are using the cloud already

Cloud security services and design principles are incorporated into everyday things. Through them, you are unknowingly using the cloud. This system can be found in simple things like Netflix, Gmail, or even Facebook.

These systems store your data offsite, making use of cloud security and its services. It goes to show that cloud security is cheap and affordable, no matter the data you store.

  1. You can keep track of your data

While the cloud security storage system can seem complicated, there is a way for you to follow your data, so it doesn’t disappear or get displaced. There is a physical location for your storage.

Make sure that you know where your data is located. It can be across the world from you, but that’s OK. All you need to know is that the physical location is a secure one and that your cloud provider uses the right hardware.

  1. You can pay-as-you-go

Cloud security has minimal, if any, set up costs compared to physical onsite systems that require some significant upfront payment before installation.

Most cloud security solution providers provide monthly payment plans for subscription and licenses, which makes the service accessible to companies of all sizes.

What this means is that despite the size of your company, you too can secure your data, make your business lean and effective through reducing costs that are associated with physical computing infrastructure. This way your business becomes more efficient.

  1. You can test your cloud security

Cybersecurity is a hot topic, and it also plays a role in cloud security. You need to have up to date cybersecurity information to help you test your security providers. You can get information that will help you ask the relevant questions to help you know if your data is safe.

You should also check whether your cloud provider is following the security measures fit for your industry. HIPAA and PCI are some of the cloud security standards that a cloud provider should meet. Bluedog Security Monitoring can help strengthen your organization’s security with penetration testing to help you find the best solution for your company.

Pen testing and vulnerability scanning can expose the issues your security systems are most vulnerable to. Armed with this knowledge, you can choose a cloud security solution that fits your needs to a T.

  1. Cloud security saves you space and time

The cloud can help you in both your personal and professional life. As mentioned above, there are streaming services like Netflix that use the cloud, so you don’t need to go out to watch a movie, you can simply stream, which saves you time.

On the professional front, you can store all your business information on an offsite cloud account without the need to purchase an external hard drive.

  1. You need to choose cloud security providers wisely

Just as in any other industry, not all providers are made equal. Don’t jump at the first provider to send you a generic offer. Make sure that offer meets your needs first.

A managed detection and response service, for instance, should be able to take both compliance and security issues off your plate. So you can focus on what you do best – grow your business.

Want to talk more about cloud security or security in general? This is our favorite topic! Reach out any time, we’re happy to counsel you on choosing the right solution.