The introduction of cloud computing brought with it great promise. From its inception, it offered businesses the opportunity to share vast quantities of information with every level of their operations no matter where they were located. At the same time, cloud computing has also generated significant security concerns; concerns that have been exacerbated with every data loss and every data theft that has taken place. This has created a situation wherein businesses are carefully weighing the benefits of cloud-based systems with the potential risks.
Proactive Protection Is Paramount
At first glance, sharing information and information security may appear to be in considerable conflict with one another. In reality, it is not so much a conflict as it is a balancing act. It’s a balancing act that relies on the collection of factual information and judicious planning to achieve.
Ultimately, it begins with the proactive protection of a company’s data before it is handed over to a service provider. Companies should:
- Determine exactly where the data is stored and the security status of the servers.
Most cloud providers commingle their servers. Thus, it’s crucial for a business to thoroughly understand the security environment as flaws in the security architecture can leave a business exposed to unauthorized connections, malware, DNS attacks, and more.
- Review the encryption software and maintain control of the encryption keys.
It’s important to know which mode of encryption is being used to understand the level of protection it provides. Further, it’s imperative to maintain control of the encryption keys in order to minimize the risk of intrusions and data theft.
Resolve Challenges by Choosing the Right Options
Making sure the service provider understands that the uploading business will retain complete ownership of the data is essential. This can sometimes be challenging if the service provider intends to use the data for marketing and data mining while the information is in their possession. Reading the fine print within the contract makes the service providers intentions clear and helps the business determine whether the risks are acceptable or need to be mitigated further.
Furthermore, cloud security needs to take into account the trans-border environment within which data is stored. This can bring into play a multitude of legal issues,conflicting copyrights, and data ownership.
These challenges can best be resolved by selecting the cloud-based options that present the fewest security risks and potential bureaucratic entanglements.
Build Confidence by Making Educated Decisions
There is no such thing as a 100 percent secure solution. Whether stored on-premise or off-site, the risk of data loss and data theft is ever present. The only thing a business can do to protect their data is to ensure that every step taken is based on reliable information and thorough planning. This involves gathering as much information as possible regarding the provider’s security apparatus, and then using this information to “fill in the gaps” within the security fabric.
Cloud computing creates vast opportunities for business growth. While the potential risks can be daunting, they are not insurmountable. Indeed, solid research and thorough planning can give businesses considerable advantages over competitors that are not using cloud-based solutions. In the end, it’s about creating balance between securing data and sharing it with those who need it most.