The Cloud and IT security model, whether on the economic or technical aspect, allows cost optimization, and provides flexibility and performance adapted to the company’s needs.
The Cloud addresses multiple issues, such as permanent or temporary additional IT resources, in the event of a peak in activity or service outsourcing needs (SaaS solution for human resources or payroll management, for example).
Therefore, the advantages of the Cloud encourage more companies to take the plunge to succeed in their digital transformation.
Cloud and IT security are inseparable:
Doubt is no longer allowed; the Cloud is a significant cog in the strategy of a company wishing to develop its information system, to support its development.
In 2021, the global public cloud market was worth 332 billion dollars (against 270 billion in 2020) and should weigh nearly 400 billion in 2022.
Despite its strengths, the Cloud suffers from concerns about security issues in general and data protection.
The location of inforfocus on, its confidentiality, and reversibility are the main points of attention on which companies will focus. Security issues are, therefore, one of the significant obstacles to companies’ adoption of the Cloud if they are reassured on this subject.
A cloud and IT security market on the rise:
The use of cloud computing has exploded in recent years. More and more companies are migrating to the Cloud to facilitate remote working or, more generally, as part of their general transformation.
Their applications, even critical ones. According to a Gartner report, the global market for public cloud services should reach 332 billion dollars in 2021 and nearly 400 billion in 2022: migration to the Cloud is more than ever a fundamental trend for companies.
Growth is driven by virtualization, containerization, and Edge Computing technologies (processing data at the edge of the network) are becoming increasingly common.
In Europe, 80 % of companies have accelerated their migration to the Cloud in the context of the health crisis, according to a Vanson Bourne report.
Growing cyber threats:
If the Cloud is vital for the company’s development, it can also bring new risks that IT managers must consider.
The simultaneity of projects deported to the Cloud, configuration errors, or weak security of credentials is some of the main causes that can lead to a cyberattack on a Cloud environment.
Cybersecurity solutions adapted to the Cloud:
In most cases, the infrastructures hosting Cloud environments present somewhat favorable aspects in terms of security due to the design of these environments:
- data stream filtering
- compartmentalization of environments by security level
- tightness between customers
- protection mechanisms against intrusions, etc.
However, given the issues related to Cloud security, it is appropriate to use the services of a cybersecurity service provider to ensure maximum protection of your infrastructure.
Indeed, a cybersecurity specialist will provide you with better protection of your Cloud environment, regardless of the Cloud services you use. Here are some benefits your business could benefit from:
- Regular analysis of configurations
- Permissions and uses of cloud services to detect compliance errors
- Centralization of user authentication for the various enterprise applications
- Secure storage and access to sensitive data
- Scalability: Your business needs change, and your cloud security must keep pace!
Master the uses of the Cloud:
Given the multitude of Cloud services available, one of the challenges for the IT Department is to control the uses to avoid being “bypassed” by the company’s users and, by extension, not being able to ensure the security of the information system and the data exchanged with these Cloud services.
This trend towards “shadow IT” is increasingly marked, and many employees can use Cloud services without the IT Department being consulted. This practice represents a risk to the company’s security, for example, data leaks.
Today, some solutions allow the Cloud and IT security departments to regain control. These solutions, called Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), positioned between users and Cloud infrastructures, provide visibility and management of the Cloud services used within the company.
The goal is not necessarily to block, at least for legitimate uses, but to support businesses and avoid benefits that could pose risks to the information system if the services are not used wisely.
Computer security to guarantee availability and integrity:
The Cloud is a significant asset for companies and can thus become an extension of the information system. The security aspects must be dealt with considering the specificities of these environments.
The company’s security policy will integrate the uses and security rules relating to these uses to define the solutions to be implemented to guarantee availability, confidentiality, and integrity.
The company can then consume cloud services in a controlled manner and with complete peace of mind.
