In our digital age, we are increasingly concerned with data security, but at the same time we are storing our data (sensitive and otherwise) in the cloud.
The cloud is a service which offers convenience, scalability and accessibility which is vital considering the increased remote working practices. But how secure is the cloud, really?
Are we storing our important data on someone else’s server without truly understanding the implications? Let’s look into the pros and cons of cloud services.
Cons of Using Cloud Backup:
Many of the cons of using cloud backup are associated with the third-party element of the industry and includes:
Such integrations include:
Security Concerns – Obviously entrusting sensitive data to third-party cloud providers raises concerns about data breaches, unauthorised access, as well as compliance with data protection regulations within your home country.
Dependency on Internet Connection – Cloud backup and accessibility is reliant on there being an internet connection, and therefore means in areas with poor coverage the cloud is susceptible to outages and disruption which can affect accessibility, and recovery of data.
Limited Control – When using a cloud supplier to store data you are relying on their security measures and protocols which can lead to uncertainty regarding data privacy and recovery.
Data Sovereignty – Compliance requirements may dictate where data can be stored, potentially limiting the choice of cloud providers and complicating data management for multinational or public sector organisations.
Pros of Using Cloud Backup:
However, the benefits of cloud storage mean many of us will overlook the security concerns as a fair trade-off. These benefits include:
Accessibility – In the post-pandemic world remote working is now the norm and this is facilitated by cloud backup and storage, ensuring that multiple people can work on the same documents which are accessible anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Scalability - Cloud backup means that storage capacity can be easily adjusted to accommodate growing data needs without the hassle and expense of physical infrastructure upgrades.
Cost Efficiency – Traditional backup solutions often require significant upfront investments in hardware and maintenance. Cloud backup eliminates these costs by offering subscription-based models, making it more financially viable for businesses of all sizes where they only pay for what they need.
Automated Backup – Cloud backup solutions typically automate the backup process, reducing the likelihood of human error which can result in lost data as well as ensuring data is consistently protected.
Improving Your Security:
Whilst not all safety concerns can be entirely eliminated when using a third-party service, it is possible to improve security at source by:
Due Diligence – Before engaging in a cloud service, research the company and their procedures to make sure you are happy with their security processes and history as well as whether they are compliant with regulations your industry may need to follow.
Regular Audits and Compliance Checks – Conducting regular audits and compliance checks ensures that cloud providers you are using adhere to industry standards and regulations, thereby maintaining data integrity and compliance.
Data Redundancy and Disaster Recovery – Data redundancy is the practice of keeping data in more than one place across multiple geographical locations and can be a vital step in data security. Add to this, establishing robust disaster recovery plans can minimise the risk of data loss due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters or cyberattacks.
User Education and Awareness – Introducing a programme to educate users about best practices for data security, such as password hygiene, phishing awareness, and secure data sharing, enhances overall security and reduces the likelihood of security breaches.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Enforcing the use of MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing data through the cloud, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access due to compromised credentials.
Like anything accessible through the internet there will be security concerns but through careful due diligence and awareness this risk can be managed ensuring your data backups are safe within the cloud
If you would like more advice on using the cloud and which service would be suitable for you and your business contact Supportwise today for a no obligation chat.