Cloud Safety, First!

You probably don’t realize it, but you use the cloud almost daily. From sending emails to streaming movies, you are using the cloud when you use those services.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is defined as: “the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user.”

There are a few types of cloud computer: public, private, and hybrid.

• A public cloud means they are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service provider.

• A private cloud is a physical cloud that can be located on the company’s on-site datacenter in which resources are used solely by a single business or organization.

• Now, a hybrid cloud combines both a private and public cloud. This means that data and applications can be shared between them.

Additionally, they can also be broken down into 3 types of services:

• Software as a Service (SaaS): The most commonly used. Examples include Dropbox or Google Drive.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Developers use this service more often. This is to host an application.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This is where users subscribe and access software over the internet through a provider’s APIs. Examples include Amazon Web Service (AWS) and vCloud.

The cloud is something that people used to fear, but now it is used daily. It was even estimated that about 50% of business around the world will adopt at least one cloud service by the end of last year. We upload business files, emails, photos, and other important information in the cloud.

Why is the Cloud Beneficial?

How does cloud computing help your business? Here are a few ways the cloud can build business value:

• Cost reduction

• Risk reduction

• Flexibility

• Efficiency

• Strategic value

• Improved mobility

The impact the cloud has on business is enormous and significant. A study from the market research company, Vanson Bourne, wrote a report - The Business Impact of the Cloud. They summarized drivers of cloud adoption and even recommendations for improvement.

In their research they found:

• Companies that have adopted the cloud have found that more than 26% of improvement in their time to market.

• The cloud has helped about a 16% reduction in operational costs.

• Over 19% of companies have seen an increase in company growth due to their adoption of the cloud.

• The cloud reduces about 16% of IT maintenance costs.

Source: Vanson Bourne

However, we all must be careful and protect ourselves and our business when we use the cloud. That is where cyber security becomes vital.

Cyber Security

Now, let’s talk about security. According to the Cloud Security Alliance, about 73% of companies confirm that the security of data is the top concern in cloud projects. Cyber security is one of the most important trends in technology now. Huge cyber attacks, like the ones that have hit Target and Yahoo, have caused much panic and have exposed millions of people.

How Can We Protect Ourselves in the Cloud?

Here are a few tips about keeping yourself safe in the cloud.

• Read through the contracts and license and service agreements for your cloud service. Make sure you know the legal and regulatory requirements for protecting data.

• Protect your machine by installing anti-virus/malware and anti-spyware software. Your data should always be encrypted with sensitive information.

• Data encryption is important.

• Firewalls

• Having strong passwords and two-factor authentication

   

Keeping You Safe

At Bluefin, we know the importance of keeping you safe on the cloud. Is your company looking to launch to the cloud? We’re here to help and keep you safe! Give us a call now and let’s get you set up on the cloud.