As an increasing number of businesses move their data online, cloud storage security has gained increased exposure and prominence. For many IT professionals, cloud solutions have become the holy grail of business and project management.
Owing to the popularity of these solutions, there’s an increasing demand for cloud storage security to protect business functions and networks. Given how cloud storage has become integral to business operations, it’s not surprising that these solutions are here to stay.
The number of people and business organisations using cloud storage is expected to grow at a record pace with an estimated 2.3 billion users likely to be on the cloud solution bandwagon by the end of 2020. Given how a good part of the world is currently working from home, it’s quite possible that these statistics have already been achieved.
Since cloud storage use is on the rise, it’s crucial for IT managers and professionals to take the necessary measures to secure their business network over the cloud.
At Redpalm, we have put together our list of benefits of using a secure and well-protected cloud storage solution as a part of the managed services we offer!
Let’s dive in and see what cloud storage is all about.
What is Cloud Storage Security?
By using cloud-based solutions to store business data, you’re storing data on servers accessible from anywhere in the world. This means your internet security must be air-tight to protect information crucial to your business. Instead of saving data on local hard drives, as a user, you’re storing data on servers in the “cloud” or part of a much larger network of servers. External data centres manage these servers to ensure that the information you store is safe, secure and accessible when you need it.
Organisations choose cloud storage to take advantage of a host of benefits. If your business has high costs of storing data, then cloud storage could help you significantly. Moreover, IT specialists regard cloud solutions as the best way to store sensitive business information safely.
Whenever accessing files stored remotely, you are accessing the information via the cloud. A prime example would be your email. Most users don’t bother saving emails to their devices because it’s connected over the internet and can be accessed from virtually anywhere, on any device. The same principles apply with cloud storage, but with files rather than emails.
Benefits of Cloud Storage Security
1. It is Simpler to Access and Share Files
With cloud storage, there’s more room for you to be efficient with your business functions.
The days of users sending bulky email attachments or uploading files to a system manually are passing us by. Cloud storage solutions are saving businesses time and money by avoiding problems associated with manual systems and instead simply sharing links.
You won’t have to worry about syncing devices, as all your information is stored in one central location and accessible from virtually anywhere. This means you don’t need a dedicated server to stay connected while being free to use any device you want.
This is extremely convenient for employees and executives who spend a lot of time away from the workplace, travelling, attending meetings or working remotely as files can be easily accessed on the go.
This is one of the primary reasons why so many businesses are switching to cloud solutions, given the excellent security advantages and convenience. Additionally, some cloud systems allow collaboration in real time meaning more than one person can work on a file and make changes at the same time.
This is perfect for collaborating teams making project management far simpler and more efficient.
2. Data Encryption
You can add another layer of protection to your cloud storage security as you encrypt your files either before or after sending them. There are multiple options for increased cloud storage security that include Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) amongst others.
These secure sign-in options mean that your data can only be accessed by the people you allow, warding off intruders and preventing data breaches. These secure sign-in options continue protecting your files and data even if your device is stolen.
With such robust cloud storage security, you don’t have to worry about your data being stolen or security being compromised.
3.Ensure You Always Have a Backup
Storing all your important business data on one server is extremely high-risk. If, for whatever reason, your server collapses, you stand the risk of losing everything almost instantly.
How does cloud storage work here?
Even if you don’t use cloud-based solutions primarily for storage, you can use it as a secondary means to store copies of files in case you need a backup.
If you use cloud storage already, you won’t have to worry about backing up anything manually. The system will automatically replicate and sync all your files across devices making it a straightforward and hassle-free process.
Cloud-based solutions are replicated across a number of servers, ensuring that you always have a copy when you need it. If one of the cloud servers crashes, your data remains protected and safe as it has been replicated across multiple other locations.
4. Provide Protection Against Hackers
Storing important data on a cloud system provides additional protection from data loss and from hackers.
A data hack could be devastating for your business which is why you need to stay ahead and prepare in case your business suffers from a cyber attack. Businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to hackers with well-known corporations falling prey to cyber attacks, including LinkedIn and Sony. As a result of these cyber attacks, each of these companies’ reputations took a hit.
Ensure that your business doesn’t suffer the same. Take proper measures to carefully back up business data and test your existing data security measures to check the robustness of your IT environment.
Hacking isn’t your only concern though. Your business could suffer from loss of data due to human error or a failure of your central server. Cloud storage plays a vital role in preventing these issues for businesses across the world.
Additionally, working alongside a managed service provider or MSP like Redpalm will help you make your IT environment more secure.
To find out more about what Redpalm could offer your business, click here!
5. Save Money
Cloud storage is not only secure and safe but is also very cost-efficient.
If not for cloud storage, you’d end up spending money on purchasing, installing and maintaining privately owned servers. On top of this, you will also have to consider the manpower required to keep the servers up and running.
Switching to cloud computing can save you a significant amount of money. Your overhead costs will decrease as you need less in-house support staff and power to keep your systems operational. With a cloud solution, you can bring down your storage and maintenance costs which in turn will make your business more efficient.
While the exact cost for different cloud storage options might vary depending on your needs, the good news is you only pay for what you need. There are different plans available that you can take your pick from with different storage sizes and features. You can always upgrade if you need more.
The benefit here is that you don’t have to invest in an entire server that you may or may not utilise to its full capacity.
6. Easy and Systematic Organising of Files
Businesses both large and small have total control not only over the information stored over the cloud but also the way it is stored. While you might choose to upload everything, you don’t have to.
It’s your decision if you want to store only critical business information on the cloud and leave the rest of your operation running as it always has, or vice versa. With cloud solutions, you can create multiple folders to organise all the data you have in a way that suits you and your business.
Create folders to make your cloud storage system more systematic, organised & convenient for use. Make it easy for everyone involved to access and navigate through the files and data.
Call Redpalm for Improved Cloud Storage Security
The cloud storage industry is one that’s evolving rapidly, which is exciting as it’s a relatively new technology in the market. With so many providers to choose from it’s important you pick the best for your needs.
At Redpalm, our existing network of technology partners will allow you to start benefiting from exceptional cloud storage solutions and security immediately.
We are an IT support company providing IT solutions across the UK, primarily in Northampton, London and surrounding areas. With our exceptional managed services, we assist you in choosing solutions that align with your business needs and requirements.
Book your consultation with us today to get the best of what cloud has to offer!
