The Cloud could be more secure than your current infrastructure
There have been numerous stories in the media about compromised IT security in the past few years. Massive data breaches and costly ransomware incidents have increased wariness about the Cloud.
What you need to keep in mind is that the Cloud may not be the source of these security flaws. Cyberattacks can occur when an organization is connected to the network, but the Cloud is not its only point of connection! Unfortunately, misunderstanding and distrusting new technologies can often be at play.
As with any IT system, the Cloud is not foolproof. But your traditional infrastructure located in a server room in your Canadian offices can also be the target of hackers! Do you have the right internal monitoring practices and systems in place to detect possible breaches? Do you follow the best practices to prevent them? Do you have access to experts to resolve these kinds of situations?
In fact, the Cloud could be even MORE secure than your on-premise environments, especially when supported by managed services.
Choosing a secure Cloud infrastructure
You want to give Cloud a try. But how can you be sure that your Cloud infrastructure is protected by the right level of security?
You should rely on a provider that complies with the most recent security standards. Security certifications such as ISO 27001 (procedures), ISO 27018 (personally identifiable information), and ISO 27017 (ensuring Cloud service providers secure data) are proof that the company has invested in continuous improvement. In fact, these certifications mean the Cloud provider follows the best practices and regularly carries out penetration and vulnerability tests through an external audit. In brief, the organization ensures they challenge their own environments, tools, and resources to detect any possible flaws and correct them.
If you are familiar with internal security, don’t hesitate to put your team in contact with your chosen Cloud service provider to ask them any questions you have. Your IT director should also be able to demonstrate they’ve done their homework by showing your organization’s decision makers that the chosen Cloud partner meets all criteria in terms of security and other aspects. Are you this IT leader? If so, you know more than others about IT security challenges. It’s up to you to let your business colleagues know about the operational risks.
Configuration: a key element of securing your Cloud environment.
Your Cloud service provider’s experience and skills in terms of security are key elements. But keep in mind that the terms of their offer are as well. What does this mean precisely?
If you choose a giant Cloud service provider, they will have a framework that you need to comply with. If you don’t use a firewall that is in their list of supported tools for instance, you’ll have to replace it and train your teams for the migration.
If you have specific security constraints, you should choose a partner who has the flexibility to meet your needs. They will configure your Cloud environment to your specific business reality.
At R2i, we have the experience and know-how when it comes to the Cloud and on-site infrastructures. By closely collaborating with your teams, we’ll be able to understand your unique technical and operational requirements. That way, you’ll be able to take advantage of everything the Cloud has to offer in an efficient and secure manner. With our managed services, you’ll also benefit from our proactivity, tools, and cutting-edge expertise. The end result is greater peace of mind. Even in the Cloud!