Data Security in the Cloud

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In a recent study conducted by Microsoft, it was found out that 94% of small and medium enterprises are becoming more confident in using the cloud. In fact, SMEs that have switched to the cloud found that it far exceeded their expectations, especially when it comes to reliability, privacy and security. This only goes to show the many benefits that a cloud can offer to businesses, particularly in the area of data security. It’s not only SMEs that are moving to the cloud. Even big businesses such as Netflix saw its potential and have jumped into the bandwagon. Not only does the cloud provides flexibility in terms of usage, but it also provides stronger and better security that on-premise security software cannot. Just how secure is your data in the cloud? Let’s take a look at several key points responsible for the security of your data. Redundancy Most cloud service providers offer redundant security. This means that data are duplicated many times and saved in multiple data centers to ensure that your files are safe and accessible at all times. Since your stored data is hosted in the cloud, system shutdowns in your computer network won’t affect your files. You can still remotely access them over the cloud. Data Encryption Sensitive data are generally protected through encryption. Many cloud computing providers offer services that let you choose which data are to be encrypted. Encryption enhances the security of your data even when at rest or while in flight to and from application servers. Centralized Firewall Policy On-premise security software requires that you need to manually install and upgrade any updates on each site. The flexibility of the cloud enables you to create centralized firewall policies. You only need to create one firewall policy and apply it across your network on different sites. Thus, data across your network are kept secure. Regular Updates Cloud security providers offer regular updates as part of their service. This means that all security features of the cloud stay up to date, ensuring maximized efficiency. Adopting the cloud into your business processes will not only save you time and money but can also lead to new opportunities for growth. Data security should not be a problem since the cloud uses advanced technology that guarantees robust safety features. According to a recent survey conducted by IBM, companies that have adopted the cloud saw their profits doubled and even gained competitive advantage. This is all the more reason for businesses like you to take advantage of the cloud.