Zippia found that 94% of organizations are already using cloud services—and that rate is growing. Ease of accessibility, collaboration, and scalability are just a few benefits to adopting cloud. However, there are key challenges to consider if you’re curious how utilizing the cloud could impact your business. Today, we’ll discuss the primary benefits, challenges, and best practices for secure cloud implementation.
Universal access is a cloud feature that enables users to access the cloud regardless of their location or device. A key component of universal access is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) which ensures that users are only granted access to the specific information they need based in their identity. If you have employees in different locations around the world, cloud adoption allows them to safely access data and collaborate simultaneously. Beyond data, this also applies to platforms and tools that run on cloud servers.
No matter how your business evolves, cloud services can be scaled depending on your needs. Since these services run on ready-to-use infrastructure, all you have to do is anticipate your storage needs. Have an upcoming project that requires more infrastructure? Upgrade your cloud service tier—and vice versa if you need less. The nearly instant scalability and flexibility of cloud makes adapting to dynamic market changes highly efficient.
Predictable cloud costs help your business scale without going over budget. The prices of cloud offerings are usually transparent and fixed, allowing you to calculate upcoming expenses and plan accordingly. When you need additional IT resources, cloud providers allow you to tap into their existing infrastructure. Just like renting a storefront can save money compared to building it from the ground up, renting cloud hardware is more cost efficient than building your own infrastructure from scratch.
Cloud providers are responsible for securing data and applications in line with industry-wide security and compliance standards. From HIPAA to PCI DSS, all industry regulations set minimum standards for data security that apply to the cloud. However, while data in the cloud is protected by your service provider, businesses are still responsible for adhering to cybersecurity regulations for data processed outside of the cloud.
In an emergency, your data in the cloud will remain intact and secure. Cloud services provide professional backups that significantly reduce the risk of permanently losing your data from a disaster. As long as your business can establish an internet connection, you can access the cloud and quickly restore business continuity.
Ensure Your Organization Prepared
Ready to strengthen your defenses and optimize cloud adoption? Download our comprehensive Cybersecurity Readiness Checklist and take the first step toward protecting your critical assets. This checklist is designed to help you assess your current security posture, identify potential vulnerabilities, and implement best practices.
When you adopt cloud services, you’re handing over direct control of your data to the cloud servicer. This, in itself, is a form of risk since you can’t personally guarantee that everything, they’re doing is safe. That is why partnering with a reputable cloud provider is key for your business. The best way to overcome disasters and mitigate risks is to partner with reliable and vetted cloud service providers with strong security and privacy measures.
Gaining compliance coverage from your cloud service provider is only beneficial if it meets your industry’s specific security standards and regulations. If your cloud provider falls short, your business will be left out of compliance and at higher risk of experiencing a data breach. For example, a cloud provider that works with healthcare companies should be able to demonstrate how their services meet HIPAA requirements through data encryption, access controls, and incident response protocols.
Be wary of cloud providers with vague pricing, hidden fees, and sudden price increases. A reliable provider is fully transparent about cost, offers flexible contract options, and can speak to the cost-to-value relationship of their services. Choosing a provider with clear, predictable pricing helps you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that cloud adoption is a financially responsible choice for your business.
Your data is susceptible to many cyber risks when moving in and out of the cloud. Data loss can occur if files are not prepared and transferred properly. Moving data between systems exposes it to potential interception by threat actors. Transferring data from a legacy to next-generation system can result in compatibility and integration problems. Ensuring the systems on both ends are compatible, updated, and secure, will help you mitigate the risks of data migration.
Avoid relying on one vendor for all your cloud adoption needs. Hiring multiple vendors helps you avoid the high costs and technical challenges of switching providers after major investment. For example, using one provider for data storage and another for security allows you to optimize each stage of cloud adoption and leverage the expertise of multiple vendors to your benefit.
At IT Solutions, we’re dedicated to providing industry specific guidance and ongoing support during your cloud adoption journey. Whether it’s planning and migration or ongoing optimization, we’re ready to help your business maximize value, security, and potential through the cloud. Contact us today to get started!
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