Entrusting your IT requirements to a cloud service provider (CSP) might sound like a leap of faith especially if it's your first time hearing about it. If you use cloud-based software-as-a-service, what happens to the files you create with them? How do you keep sensitive information and proprietary items secure? The same concern goes for data backups held externally.

If you create and host your own line-of-business apps on a platform-as-a-service or use third-party data centers, how do you ensure reliability and protect them against cyber threats?

These security concerns are valid and must be considered seriously by any business. Ironically, those same concerns ultimately point to why cloud-based solutions are more secure than keeping your IT in house.

Advantage #1: Cloud-based infrastructures are more sophisticated and are better maintained

Not only is building the infrastructure for a locally managed system prohibitive, it is costly to maintain as well. More than that, the effort required to stay ahead of cyber threats is like skiing away from an avalanche. Even large corporations deem it wiser to defer the bulk of cybersecurity responsibilities to CSPs.

Reputable service providers such as SimplyClouds use only the latest and best network technologies and implement the most stringent physical security and cybersecurity measures. Our cloud experts are known for keeping data safe from corporate spies, saboteurs, and thieves.

To illustrate, sophisticated CSPs implement advanced access protocols such as multi-factor authentication. Instead of just letting a user through to a cloud platform via a username and password, that individual is also required to submit a one-time use code that’s sent to his or her mobile device. The validity of that code lapses after a short amount of time, making it nearly impossible for hackers to force themselves through.

Another thing that makes cloud-based solutions more secure is that CSP systems are monitored 24/7/365 and are updated as soon as patches and upgrades arrive. Applying fixes to security vulnerabilities and improvements to inefficiencies is crucial to keeping hackers away — and significant IT resources are needed to handle patch management without causing disruptions to your business.

Advantage #2: Data backups on the cloud enable business continuity and disaster recovery strategies

Data security is not just about preventing unauthorized access and disclosure. It is also about making data available when and where it is needed for business operations. By keeping redundant copies of relevant data on the cloud, primary functions that rely on that data can be resumed as soon as possible.

For instance, healthcare providers need to have access to their patients’ most up-to-date medical information to make sure they give the correct treatment. Everything from medical histories to diagnostic test results to medicine allergies is critical, which is why data loss events must be prevented or resolved at the soonest possible time.

Advantage #3: CSPs have armies of highly qualified technicians with industry specializations

Unlike non-IT organizations, reliable CSPs have certified IT technicians available around the clock to address your cybersecurity concerns. You don’t need to worry about post-shift troubles, sick days, and vacation leaves.

Additionally, with legal landscapes shifting everywhere, keeping up with industry-specific regulations is a tall order for any in-house IT team. Having access to technicians with the right expertise is critical, since they are always on the pulse of IT regulations. While in-house IT staff can get overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks and fall behind with compliance requirements, top-notch CSPs can handhold clients and put their minds at ease.

Data security is of paramount importance to businesses today. Drop us a line to learn more about how SimplyClouds’ cloud-based IT solutions can bolster your business while keeping your data safe and sound.