Should you move your cybersecurity solution to the cloud?

So many business tools and functions have migrated to the cloud. Productivity suites like Microsoft Office 365 are cloud-based, just like a plethora of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for accounting, customer relationship management, and human resource management, among others.
 
However, while all of these new integrations onto your core systems increase efficiencies, they also open your network up to external hacks and internal data leaks. If your business already operates in the cloud, would it be wise for you to move your cybersecurity protection to the cloud as well?
 
The short answer to this question is “yes,” but let’s take a deeper look at why implementing a cloud-based security information event management (SIEM) solution adds value and reliability to your company.
 

Cloud-based SIEMs are less expensive to deploy than on-premise ones

Cybersecurity for enterprises involves more than just installing an antivirus program and then running it. On-premises SIEMs also involves infrastructure purchases such as storage for holding malware signatures and data logs, and servers and other hardware for monitoring network activity, transmitting analyses and log reports, and sending alert notifications, etc. These and other costs add up, and it may take a while before your capital outlay is recouped.
 
On the other hand, cloud-based cybersecurity providers have already invested in the machinery, software systems, and manpower required to keep your data and your systems safe. They spread the costs they had incurred and do incur across their many clients, making their services affordable, even for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). In short, instead of cybersecurity being a heavy investment that only a few can make, it can now be an affordable, monthly operational expense.
 

Cloud SIEM systems and staff are deployed more quickly

SIEM solutions must be customized to fit the unique systems your business has. Once the security setup has been properly designed and physically fitted onto your existing infrastructure, you’ll need to train your IT staff to become proficient in using the new tool. All this can take as long as a year, which means your organization may remain vulnerable long before you ever start to feel any sense of security.
 
In contrast, cloud-based cybersecurity providers have armies of experts who can configure their platform to suit your business requirements within a couple of days. This short deployment time assumes, however, that you’ll choose a partner who’ll understand your business model and learn what your firm needs out of a cybersecurity solution.
 
If, for instance, you belong to an industry with strict data regulations, you’ll want specialists who can help you implement compliance best practices in the shortest amount of time.
 

Cloud-based systems accomplish real-time monitoring, can be highly automated, and be very smart too

Many existing on-premises systems depend on shifting staff and require manual controls, such as those for initializing software updates, executing system scans, or producing incident reports. Cloud security systems allow for perpetual monitoring and automated protocols.
 
Furthermore, cloud computing allows you to use more sophisticated cybersecurity techniques. To illustrate, most malware detection programs are signature-based, meaning they rely on a database of the source code of known threats. This means that new, yet-to-be-documented hacking exploits have a high potential for breaching your defenses.
 
However, cloud-based machine learning can power behavior-based security measures. These techniques obtain imprints of normal, non-threatening behaviors within your network, and use these to recognize deviations and determine how much of a risk such out-of-the-norm actions pose.
 
One such advanced IT measure is behavioral biometrics. If an intruder tries to use an open PC to send proprietary data outside your corporate network, it will recognize differences in typing patterns, lock the unrecognized user out of the machine, and alert security of their presence.
 
Securing your IT systems is an endeavor that’s becoming ever so complicated with each passing minute. Stay on top of cybersecurity concerns by relying on our experts at SimplyClouds.