In today’s digital workplace, organizations are deciding to outsource services to the Cloud. Cloud computing is transforming IT, there are significant benefits to this which can introduce real cost savings and an abundance of flexibility to businesses.
When choosing to move to the Cloud, IT services, data, and infrastructure are transferred to a Cloud Provider. Essentially, the IT systems are moved to a secured data center somewhere in the world and clients just need a computer and internet connectivity.
Data is a valuable asset and must be protected, it is critical to understand your Cloud Security compliance as we are constantly reminded of Malware/Virus outbreaks, Ransomware attacks, Data misuse scandals and privacy breaches.
How is my data protected?
The security landscape is forever changing, frequent vulnerability scanning and fixes must be performed by security experts to keep one step ahead. Customer data networks and Cloud provider management networks must be segregated and encrypted to ensure only privileged users have access to sensitive client data, on a need-to-know basis.
Modern data centers are constructed to stringent physical and technical security safeguards, your Cloud provider must have audited access to the buildings, 24/7 security patrols, and extensive security camera protection. IT Systems must be protected with complex passwords and strong authentication methods.
Cloud Computers need to be constantly monitored and maintained to offer the best protection, the Cloud Provider is responsible to seamlessly manage and guarantee all the underlying server infrastructure is updated and regularly patched to provide robust antivirus protection.
Who has access to my data?
Data must be controlled and managed to provide greater data integrity standards. When organizations move to the Cloud, the IT Services are usually moved from the organizations head office. This immediately provides increased security as it separates the clients from their servers.
A virtual private network (VPN) is created which can grant site-to-site access to the Cloud. All other access can be restricted, allowing only privileged VPN users secured access.
Cloud Computers are built with many software-defined security policies which control user account privileges. Each user account has a unique set of security rights, this dictates which computer service and what data a user account can have access too.
Strict deny permissions are implemented to prevent users from accessing unauthorized files that are not within the user’s remit. These permissions can be managed centrally and are used to create a bespoke set of rules to control data access.
Where is my data located?
Cloud Computing providers offer 3 distinctive services; private, public and hybrid Cloud solutions. Finding the Cloud solution that matches your organization’s IT strategy is essential. This decision will ultimately affect where your data is located, which is extremely important when considering data privacy laws and data protection compliance.
For Organizations that handle secret, confidential and private data, private and isolated Cloud offerings would be beneficial. This will guarantee the user that data is geographically located in an appropriate data center for compliance and on systems for exclusive use.
Public Cloud is internet facing, public accessible Cloud Computing services. This is for companies who have no confidential data, typically this may be used on shared web hosting for public information.
Hybrid Cloud offers the best of both worlds, client private data can be stored in a secured location, and public services can be leveraged into a public provider.
If you are looking for a cloud hosting solution and are still not sure what you need, or need healthcare compliant HIPAA hosting then contact us and one of our sales engineers will be happy to guide you further.
About Moazzam Adnan Raja
Moazzam Adnan Raja has been the Vice President of Marketing at Atlantic.Net for 14 years. During Raja’s tenure, the Orlando-based, privately held hosting company has grown from having a primarily regional presence to garnering and developing attention nationwide and internationally. In collaboration with a skilled and dedicated team, Raja has successfully led a full spectrum of marketing campaigns, as well as handling PR work with major news outlets and the formation of key strategic alliances.