Cloud computing has become synonymous with efficient business. Chances are, you’re already using some type of cloud-based solution – even if you hadn’t recognized it as such. Cloud computing can be as simple as using Google Sheets to share data or as all-encompassing as migrating all data storage online and utilizing cloud-based SD-WAN to turn your business into a total cloud entity.
Cloud computing is beneficial in several ways, but it’s not without risk. Here, we’ll discuss a few of the biggest cloud computing security risks and how to mitigate them.
Top Three Security Risks and How to Mitigate Them
Before you start your migration, consider some of these top cloud computing security risks.
Data breach.
Cyber attacks cost businesses $200,000 a year on average, according to a 2019 Hiscox cyber readiness report.1 Loss of employee and customer data can cost money, hinder compliance to privacy acts like HIPAA, and put your company at risk of legal action.
To mitigate this risk, be sure to hire only the most trusted service providers, encrypt all data – both at rest and in transit, and implement security best practices like multi-factor authentication and strong passwords.
Denial of Service.
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks attempt to render a service unusable – for example driving so much fake traffic to a website that it crashes.
Mitigation strategies include using firewalls and content filtering to protect your network, as well as implementing load balancing to identify traffic anomalies.
Malware.
Malware can infect cloud servers just as it would a local PC. These malicious packages embed themselves in systems and can enact a host of undesirable outcomes, from eavesdropping to data theft to disabling critical systems.
To keep malware at bay, utilize firewalls, content filtering, regular backups, activity monitoring, and antivirus software – and train employees on best practices around browsing, downloading, and email.
Improved Security in the Cloud
It’s true that cloud computing comes with a unique set of security risks. But it’s equally true that with the right action, cloud computing can improve overall security. Automatic updates keep outdated software from becoming a security risk, physical protection of your systems becomes a non-factor, and the best service providers can spend time on monitoring – leaving your IT team time to take on more important work.
The Benefits Outweigh the Risks
Some risk comes with any potential reward in business, as in life. The question is do the benefits outweigh those risks? With cloud computing, the answer is an emphatic yes. Cloud systems save companies money by eliminating capital outlay on physical systems and allow IT teams to streamline and even save energy. Cloud systems even make some businesses possible which otherwise would not work.
Plus, cloud solutions offer a kind of scalability and flexibility that just can’t be replicated with physical, local computing and data solutions.
Now Is the Time
If you’re hesitating to migrate solutions to the cloud, there’s never been a better time to make the switch. Of course, it would be folly to migrate without considering the possible cloud computing security risks, but every risk has a mitigating strategy, especially when you work with experts.
If you’re ready to make the move into the cloud and you’d like a partner to help you stay secure, contact Enterprise Visions now and we can help you for free.
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