Is your business data safe in the cloud?
“Is your business data safe in the cloud?”
It’s a question that we’ve heard a lot over the past few years.
There are numerous benefits to moving your business to cloud computing, but, many people’s first thoughts are: “Is it safe?”.
Check out our pros and cons to help you decide whether the cloud is for you and your enterprise…
Pros
- It has your back: We’ve all had that moment. An error message pops on screen and your data is lost forever. However, if you have transitioned your enterprise to the cloud this could be a moment to sit back and feel smug rather than tear your hair out. Automatic back-ups can be set up using the cloud making it potentially quicker and cheaper for you and your business to get back on your feet. There’s also the opportunity to implement a disaster recovery plan that will further help your cause.
- Economies of scale: If you are a small business you may not have the financial clout to buy a top notch security system. By moving onto the cloud you can take advantage of the provider’s larger cash pot. Not only does this mean that your information is safer than it would be on your computer but it also means you might be able to save a bit of cash.
- They are in the know: Not everyone is a tech whizz so words such as encryption might mean very little to you. By using an online storage system the host company does the technical work for you. Cloud storage providers will often have their own encryption system – a clever way to hide data – to protect your valuable information. But before you get excited make sure to check the terms and conditions of the provider.
Cons
- Human error: Even the most secure cloud storage system can be accessed if the person using it has an easy to guess password. Remember to take all the proper precautions and never use passwords that are being used elsewhere. If you are extremely serious about protecting your data you could even enable two-factor authentication for them.
- Caught by the law: By the very nature of the cloud, your laptop and your storage system could be sitting at opposite ends of the earth. Just as you are bound by local law so is your provider and this could mean they are subject to whatever that country says.
- System failure: Just because your data is “in the cloud” that doesn’t mean you can just leave it in that one place. Servers are still susceptible to malfunctions and they’re unlikely to stand up to a natural disaster. Make sure to back up your data in different places to protect against this issue.
Is your business data safe in the cloud? A summary
Ultimately, the decision of whether to move to cloud storage or not is up to you. However, if you do decide it is best for your business, do your homework.
Remember to ask your potential provider where they are based and whether they have had any previous security breaches. It could be vital for the security of your business.
If you’re worried about whether your business data is safe in the cloud you’re best going to a provider such as ourselves who own our own cloud-based infrastructure located close to our central London offices and never resell our services.
Security is paramount to everything we do, and we’re not the only organisation now regarding cloud computing as a secure option for business IT.
For more information on IT support and security you can trust, don’t hesitate to get in touch.