“The Cloud” once seemed like a tech buzzword. But today, it’s found in virtually every industry, with 81% of businesses in the U.S. running at least one cloud application in 2020.
The presence of the cloud in the workplace is only going to grow. In a few years, saving documents and files on hardware will be a thing of the past. But is cloud storage safe? Continue reading to learn more.
What is the Cloud?
Many people have heard of the cloud but often view it as a highly-sophisticated technology that only people in tech can truly understand. However, most people operate cloud systems every day. Have you ever used Google Docs, watched a show on Hulu, or shared a photo on social media? All of those are cloud services.
The cloud can essentially be thought of as any software or service that is hosted on a network and made available on demand. They are third-party servers you can use to. When you save images, videos, and files to the cloud, they are no longer bound to one device. You can seamlessly transfer and access them between devices anywhere and anytime.
Using cloud-based applications provides similar benefits. Regardless of the device you use or its location, settings and features follow your user configuration, offering a highly flexible way of working.
Is Cloud Storage Safe?
As with any form of digital technology, there are cybersecurity risks. Cloud systems are subject to many of the same cyberattacks as internal systems. These include:
- Malware, Phishing and social engineering attacks
- Denial of service attacks
- Server attacks
You may seem hesitant to store sensitive information on an external network. However, many cloud networks are better protected than the information on your personal device. Larger companies are likely to have robust security measures in place.
Additionally, cloud-based files are typically encrypted, making it much harder for cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information even after a server breach. Of course, when storing sensitive documents, it is important to verify that the security methods used by a particular service are adequate.
Types of Cloud Services
Although cloud services are generally well-protected, not all are the same. There are four common types of cloud services, and knowing the difference can help you make the best choice for a particular purpose. Clouds typically fit one of the following models:
- Public Cloud: A cloud vendor hosts a server that is available for public use.
- Private Cloud: A private cloud is dedicated to an organization and not shared with others. They can be more secure and are typically more expensive than public clouds.
- Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud leverages a combination of two or more clouds, often mixing public and private. Organizations can host a private cloud but also have a public one when collaborating with outside agencies and businesses.
- Community Cloud: A community cloud involves sharing information between organizations that have a common interest or purpose. Because there is a great deal of collaboration in a community cloud, security compliance is essential to protect information.
How to Keep Your Network Protected
The cloud is here to stay and will only become more ubiquitous in modern life in the years to come. However, just like every network, you must keep it protected. When businesses want to save costs but don’t want to sacrifice network security, they look to third-party experts.
At Vector Security Networks, we provide managed networks services, so we can maintain your network while you focus on your business. If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact us today.
