Unless you’re an IT expert, the whole “cloud” thing can be a head-scratcher. Here’s the good news: You don’t need to understand the intricate nuances of cloud-based technology to implement it. All you need to know is that it is more secure than on-premise servers. In fact, it’s considered the best practice for securing private information thereby increasing confidence between you, your partners and customers.
What’s wrong with the “old” way?
On-premise technology runs a high risk for a cyber attack such as ransomware, or malware. These systems often are not equipped with the latest in multi-factor authentication (MFA )technology. These older systems were important for businesses for decades, but maintaining, updating and replacing them can be difficult and expensive. Often those tasks are ignored creating vulnerabilities galore. They require regular system updates or upgrade them taking them offline. This means the business is offline as well, costing businesses money and inconveniencing customers.
Because n-premise sites are decentralized it’s a challenge to upgrade, replace or adapt to newer technology. Consider how many businesses needed to immediately adapt to online remote work when COVID-19 hit in March 2020. Businesses that have cloud technology could quickly set up workers at home with less downtime. The cloud’s adaptability can ensure that businesses have up-to-date protection while offering flexibility in how the business operates- which is especially important if a crisis hits.
There is a lot to love about the Cloud
Cloud-based security means there is no physical server for someone to attack. No system is without risk, but cloud-based security can grow and adapt with new technology, future-proofing it against the ever-growing threat of a cyber attack. Cloud-based storage means your data is saved forever; unlike a hard drive that can be lost or stolen, your data on the cloud is recoverable. Cloud storage also has different “locations” so that if an online server goes down, your business does not have any “downtime” as you can access your information from another server. This feature allows business processes to more easily streamline as they move online. Cloud technology also has flexible scalability, so as your business grows, the online cloud server can grow without needing to replace the entire system.
Securing your identity in the Cloud
That is a good summary of cloud-based technology 101. Ready to go a step further? Cloud-based security is most effective with Identity Access Management (IAM). Adopting a unique identity log-in like an IAM platform provides access to the cloud and determines just who has control of what is in your network. Prior to unique identities, IP addresses were the anchor for identity and the unit of security control. Now with more remote work, work-from-home, and hybrid work models, there are multiple IP addresses that need to login to the system. IP addresses are no longer a viable and secure way to control security and access to data. Identity-based security works in tandem with the cloud, allowing for a centralized security system with multiple identities accessing multiple areas of the servers. All of these identities can have their own individual perimeter around them, controlling what points of access they have.
Identity- and cloud-based security also enhances business scalability since the cloud can expand and contract to accommodate as few or as many identities as needed. This future-proofs security as the business grows.
Choosing the right cloud for your business
Cloud-based technology is highly adaptable. Depending on your business there are a variety of models that will work with your existing system, or you can create an entirely new security system tailored to your needs. Cloud technology works with identity platforms and can be built as a hybrid model that works with older technology so wholesale change isn’t required.
Securing your business online has never been easier. Understanding the basic principles of cloud technology and why it is the new standard for security is the first step. Then, getting the right partner involved can help make it a reality for your business. Sleep better at night knowing your business’s data and that of your customers is secure.
Mark has 20 years experience as a technology sales professional and leader. He started his career at IBM and held progressive positions within Technology. Currently, as Country Manager at Okta, Mark is leading Okta’s hyper-growth market-leading Workforce and Customer Identity Platform to market in Canada and has built out the team and strategy for the Country.