Did you know that the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million ? This figure represents a historic high, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report . It also serves as a reminder that small businesses like yours need to ensure their cloud infrastructure is properly protected.
Failure to protect your cloud environment leads to dire situations. Data breaches and other types of cyber attacks have forced 60% of small businesses to close down within six months because they cannot properly recover from cybercrime.
“Ignoring cloud security is like leaving your front door wide open in a neighborhood known for burglaries,” says James Fair, Senior Security Architech for Executech. “It’s not a matter of if, but when disaster will strike.”
The good news is that there is a solution, and it comes in the form of cloud security. Read on to have the question: “What is cloud security?” answered and get some actionable insights to protect your cloud environments, data, applications, and more from evolving cyber threats.
What is Cloud Computing Security?
When you move your data and applications to the cloud, you’re not just shifting them to another computer. You’re entrusting them to a complex system that requires specialized security measures.
Cloud security is a set of policies, controls, and technologies designed to protect data, applications, and the associated cloud infrastructure.
It’s more than just traditional network security or data security; it’s a specialized field that addresses unique challenges associated with virtualized environments.
Why Should You Care About Cloud Security?
The stakes are high. Security issues like data breaches and unauthorized access can cripple organizations.
According to Astra, the global annual cost of cybercrime in 2023 is $8 trillion . That amount is expected to grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025 , an increase of 15%.
Key Features of Cloud Security: Your First Line of Defense
1. Data Encryption
Encrypting your data makes it unreadable to anyone without the decryption key. This is a fundamental aspect of what is data security in cloud computing.
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Control who can do what within your cloud environment. Access control and multi-factor authentication are crucial.
3. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection
These security features protect against external security threats by monitoring any incoming or outgoing traffic from your network. They also determine whether to allow or prevent certain types of traffic based on established security rules.
4. Regular Audits and Monitoring
A lack of visibility can be fatal for your business. Regular checks and audits are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and taking steps to remedy or eliminate them.
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Cloud Security Challenges: What You’re Up Against
Despite the many benefits it offers, you may face some challenges regarding cloud security. Here are some examples.
1. Complexity
Understanding infrastructure security in cloud computing can be challenging due to multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures.
2. Compliance
Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA impose additional security responsibilities. If you operate a business within a highly regulated industry, failure to comply with standards and regulations can result in fines, sanctions, legal issues, and reputational damage
3. Cost
Effective cloud security can be expensive, but it is a necessary investment in the future of your data protection strategy.
Best Practices: What You Can Do to Improve Cloud Security
It’s one thing to have dependable cloud security in place, but it’s another to ensure it follows best practices. Here’s a look at some of the best practices that should be a part of your cloud security strategy.
1. Update Your Security Protocols
Make sure your business stays up-to-date with the latest security controls, especially as attack vectors continue to evolve.
2. Employee Training
Educate your team about the different types of cloud security threats and what they can do to prevent them.
3. Choose Trusted Providers
Look for providers that specialize in specific areas, such as cloud workload security, or who have industry-specific cloud computing expertise.
Essential Cloud Security Features and Their Importance
| Cloud Security Feature | What it Does | Why it’s Important |
| Data Encryption | Scrambles data to make it unreadable without a key | Protects sensitive data from unauthorized access |
| Identity and Access Management (IAM) | Manages who has access to what resources | Ensures only authorized users can access data |
| Firewalls and Intrusion Detection | Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic | Guards against external threats |
| Regular Audits and Monitoring | Checks for vulnerabilities and unauthorized activities | Provides visibility and early detection |
| Compliance Management | Ensures adherence to legal and regulatory requirements | Avoids legal issues and penalties |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Requires multiple forms of verification for access | Adds an extra layer of security |
| Data Backup and Recovery | Stores copies of data in secure locations | Allows for quick recovery in case of data loss |
What is Cloud Security? Find Out With Expert Support From Executech
Understanding what is cloud computing security is crucial for any organization that values its data and applications. If you’re looking to implement a new cloud security strategy for your business or need help enhancing an existing one, our team is ready to assist you.
Executech is a leading provider of comprehensive cloud security services , offering top-notch data protection, network security, migration support, identity and access management (IAM), and more.
Don’t leave your cloud environment vulnerable or your protection up to chance. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
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