Does Your Organization Have Concerns about Cloud Security?

If you’re not entirely comfortable with the idea of cloud-based services – or if your co-workers have questions or concerns – you’re not alone. Nearly half of IT professionals cited in a recent “State of Cloud Security” research report said they view security as a “significant challenge.”

However, as with many business challenges, the flip side is an opportunity.

Cloud services offer some serious benefits for companies willing to adopt these solutions, even if it’s only on a limited basis. Small- and medium-sized businesses, especially, enjoy perks ranging from scalability to around-the-world access.

What Is the Cloud?

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, cloud computing is “a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources.”

Examples of these resources are servers, storage, applications and more. Furthermore, cloud offerings – by definition – can be “rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.”

How Safe Is the Cloud?

Depending on your company’s own security policies and resources, reputable cloud providers may actually offer more data protection than what’s provided internally. Cloud services have entire departments dedicated to continuing to improve security for their clients’ data – they know the viability of the cloud depends on it.

When in Doubt, Start Small

If your company’s stakeholders aren’t sure if the cloud is the way to go, why not test the waters?

Consider moving a process or function that isn’t mission critical to a reputable cloud service provider. The research and migration steps you experience during this lower-risk switch will give you an idea of what to expect should your company decide to move other parts of the business to the cloud.