Businesses continue to become more interested in the power of the cloud, though recent data breaches have appeared to reignite fears that this technology is simply impossible to secure. Although this should be common knowledge by now, cloud computing is not inherently dangerous, but a lack of knowledge and awareness with respect to management and security in general is what leads to most complications.
When the services first broke into the public eye, many were concerned about their data being stored in Web-based environments, and worried that this would inevitably lead to a greater level of risk and more prolific threats. As is the case with any new technology, fears peaked around the time that decision-makers realized just how poor of a plan it would be to completely avoid the cloud altogether, finding themselves between a rock and a hard place.
In the years since, though, it has become clear that a well-managed and expertly secured cloud can be even more effective in the defense arena given the generally disparate and remote devices in use among most businesses. The key advantage is contained within the technology's ability to centralize management of all systems, users, devices and apps, which is critical to maintaining efficient and accurate control of data in the modern marketplace.
Now, when major breaches occur and seem to imply that they took place in a cloud-based environment, the first step is to not believe the hype that it was the technology's fault. This type of transference of responsibility will not only hold the company back from actually enacting effective security programs, but will also reduce the intelligence of decision-making when the next round of provisioning comes to pass.
First, it might help to understand just how powerful the cloud can be.
A clear competitive advantage Forbes recently listed some of the benefits that organizations commonly enjoy when taking a structured, smart approach to cloud computing deployments, management and utilization. According to the news provider, one of the top advantages is the ability to automate certain services, as this will streamline the customer experience while simultaneously allowing employees to focus on other, more strategic matters.
Additionally, this will tend to boost the agility of the firm and make it more amiable to the constantly evolving consumer and corporate landscapes that will never be profitable when a company is stagnating. The source stated that innovation can be powered by cloud computing in ways that were not before possible, specifically because there is much less risk when trying new things and an enhanced flexibility with core business processes.
Finally, Forbes asserted that the ability to link all of the systems in place and create a central environment for all data to interact and grow will boost the intelligence of the firm. Keeping this in mind and understanding that consumers and corporate purchasers are interested in the most innovative, next-generation businesses in each market, it should be clear that getting by without the cloud is getting harder with the passing of each day.
Do not fear the cloud When a breach occurs, one would be hard-pressed to trace it back to an actual technology, at least most of the time. Sure, sometimes apps have flaws or vulnerabilities, but these should be proactively identified and eradicated when following the best practices of data and system security.
GigaOM recently affirmed that security in the cloud is achievable, but that corporate decision-makers must take ownership over these matters to truly make a difference. One of the biggest areas in which mistakes and problems arise, the source stated, is contained within the communication of responsibility between the vendor and the business itself.
When this is streamlined and both parties are on the same page, there is a much greater likelihood that security performances will remain at the highest, most effective level. This is also another reason why companies should be looking for vendors that specialize in their specific needs, such as a medical organization choosing a service provider that has extensive experience and a proven track record in health care compliance procedures.
According to GigaOM, it is difficult to say that the risks of cloud computing are more weighty than the rewards, and this has been clear in the massive number of deployments that have taken place in the past few years. This is not to say that the risks are not substantial, but rather that the rewards are relatively boundless with cloud computing, and failing to adequately leverage these solutions can lead to serious competitive disadvantages down the road.
Remember, the cloud can be just as secure as - if not more than - traditional IT frameworks and infrastructure. The trick is to protect these modern technologies with novel security solutions and effective vendor services.
David Bailey is Senior Vice President at Protected Trust.
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