Cloud adoption is rapidly growing – a trend that was accelerated by the pandemic. By 2033, the global cloud computing market will balloon to $2,974.6 billion, up from $629.5 billion in 2023, according to Market.us. Over the last four years, many companies learned that the cloud facilitates hybrid and remote work options by allowing employees to access and share files seamlessly from any location and any device. Some companies have hesitated to jump on the cloud bandwagon, however, fearing cloud-based systems are less secure than their familiar on-premise systems. But, in fact, cloud solutions provide many security advantages over on-premise systems.
How the Cloud Works
With cloud-based technologies, users access software and data over the internet from a cloud provider’s data centers, rather than through an on-premise network and servers. When a company fully adopts cloud technologies, that company no longer needs to manage its own servers or host its own software applications on its own equipment. However, rather than leaping fully into the cloud, many companies use it for a few applications. When using these applications, they enjoy cloud benefits such as flexibility and accessibility from any device: team members can work on a file in the office and pick up exactly where they left off on a device at home. And they also enjoy security advantages.
Security Advantages
Cyber attacks grow stealthier and costlier every year, with cyber criminals constantly utilizing new technologies and techniques to target businesses of all sizes. The widespread transition to flexible workplaces since the pandemic has created incremental vulnerabilities, as companies now must defend a system that extends beyond the four walls of their offices. Due to economies of scale, a cloud service provider has the ability to invest aggressively in state-of-the-art security infrastructure and in-house security expertise. And given that their entire business model depends on their ability to keep data secure, reputable providers will have multiple defensive systems in place to ensure the security of their systems and data centers and, by extension, your data and files.
Secure Connections
When a user logs into a cloud-based application, the connection takes place within the provider’s secure private cloud. This allows users to log in securely from any device and any location, enabling them to safely access your files and data from their home, the office or elsewhere.
Up-to-Date Systems and Software
The use of outdated hardware and software creates vulnerabilities in your system that cyber criminals can exploit. As technology products age, manufacturers stop supporting them, leaving gaps in protection. When you work with cloud solutions, the cloud service provider will install security patches and update applications as soon as these updates become available from manufacturers, ensuring you are always working on the latest versions.
24/7/365 Monitoring
Cloud service providers can monitor your system on a 24/7/365 basis to identify atypical activity that may indicate an attack is in progress. Reputable providers also have teams of engineers and technicians on staff with a broad range of competencies to prevent, respond to, and thwart all kinds of threats and take appropriate measures to limit the damage if an attack occurs.
Backup and Business Continuity
Backup and business continuity benefits are important features of cloud technologies. When you work on the cloud, your files are always backed up automatically and stored off-site. In the event of a natural disaster, power outage or other problem at your premises, you will be able to seamlessly access your files and data from a remote location. A reputable private cloud provider will operate from multiple data centers with built-in redundancies that are designed to protect against the possibility of an emergency at one of the provider’s own facilities, ensuring your files will always be readily available when you need them.
For more information about cloud technologies and other IT solutions, contact Central Business Systems. Founded in 1948, we serve as a one-stop shop for all business technology needs for companies throughout the New York metropolitan area.