Tag: cloud security

How Secure is the Cloud?

Data backup and protection is imperative for any business, large or small, and the Cloud is one extremely popular and efficient method of securing and backing up relevant data on a regular basis.

What is Cloud Backup?

Cloud backup is a form of software that provides a remote and online backup service, providing an easy solution for those businesses who wish to backup their data without the need for manual backup systems. Alternatively, many use the Cloud backup as an extra precaution alongside any manual backup activity.

Cloud backup is a substantial option, as it provides easy, remote, and online access to all business data, which has been backed up, meaning the Cloud is a fast solution that can back up at high speeds, as well as provide instant access.

Cloud backup is also a key method for business data recovery, as any data stored in the Cloud can easily be restored, often at the click of a button.

What are the Benefits of Cloud Backup?

  • It avoids the need for extra business costs. Using existing software and infrastructures from dependable Cloud suppliers, like the Checkpoint Capsule Cloud, means that you can take advantage of existing and secure networks to backup your data, eliminating any extra expense for on-site data backup or supplies.
  • It’s reliable and fast. Restoration of data from the Cloud can be instant, meaning if the worst happens and data is lost, it won’t be a huge disruption to your business in having to wait for data to be restored.
  • It is a low-cost solution.
  • It saves time compared to manual backup efforts on-site.
  • It inspires more productivity. Easy Cloud backup means more time for employees to spend on other tasks rather than worrying about backup.
  • It lowers the risks and vulnerabilities associated with manual backup. A manual backup will see businesses keeping stock of tapes that have their data stored on. These physical tapes can easily be accessed, stolen, or destroyed in the event of emergencies such as fires.

How Secure is the Cloud?

With the increasing popularity of the Cloud and it being the go-to solution for data backup, it’s natural for businesses to worry that it would naturally be the first point of call for any hackers or cyber threats. This leads to questions regarding how vulnerable your data might be when stored in the Cloud.

When data is secured in the Cloud, it comes with secure encryption technology, meaning the best efforts are always maintained to protect data. Data will require specific keys and access data to be able to view business information. This means that anything stored in the Cloud is just as well protected as business data stored with adequate security and network measures on-site.

Furthermore, Cloud services can easily be upgraded based on the level of security you desire. Larger and more substantial Cloud systems can offer a broader and larger range of protection and security measures, making the Cloud a flexible and tailored solution for data storage and security needs.

Mobile security worries exist among consumers using the cloud

According to a recent report, device users aren’t necessarily confident in this form of storage.

Cyber and mobile security and app delivery solutions firm, Radware, has recently released a report called “Mobile Application Security: Consumer Perspectives and Organizational Implications,” in which it was revealed that the cloud isn’t exactly eliciting feelings of confidence from consumers.

Harris Poll conducted the online survey on behalf of Radware and involved the participation of 2,000 American consumers.

The survey was geared toward the opinions of adults in the United States with regards to the mobile security of cloud-based apps and service and the way they’re used. It was determined that it is not uncommon for consumers to be unaware of the fact that many of the mobile apps they use on a regular basis are dependent on the cloud. This means that they are also unaware of the potential threat they face to their personal information if the cloud storage was ever breached.

This lack of understanding of mobile security could be considered troubling simply because it may reduce protection efforts.

Cloud - Mobile SecurityAmong the participants in the study, 67 percent said that they were not using cloud-based mobile apps. That said, applications that use the cloud are rapidly growing in their popularity and usage. At the same time, 87 percent of Americans feel that cloud based apps are at risk of being hacked. Another 58 percent of cloud based service or application users said that they were concerned about the safety of their personal data if those apps or services should ever experience a cyber attack.

According to Radware director of security solutions marketing, Ben Desjardins, “Data breaches and hacks are not only on the rise, they are becoming commonplace.” He added that “At the same time, cloud-based apps are booming, offering convenient ways to expedite and simplify daily needs from ordering a meal to requesting a car with the tap of a finger.”

Desjardins explained that the majority of consumers don’t actually understand their relationship with cloud based applications. Therefore, it will be up to the companies that are working to engage with mobile device users by way of those applications to bear the burden of mobile security education as well as of remediation if they should ever experience a cyber attack in which any personal information could be threatened.