Understanding Cloud Provider And Customer Responsibilities to Ensure Cloud Security

Discover what the shared responsibility model means to you, as a cloud customer, why understanding it is vital, and how Fortinet Adaptive Cloud Security can help address the areas that you still own, whichever cloud you choose.

Whenever there is a security breach in the cloud, companies lose money, time, and resources as they try to recover. The downtime that results from a cloud breach can cause significant operational setbacks applications and data in the cloud, and cloud-connected devices and networks can be exposed to a numerous threats.

While maintaining a security system for an in-house network is often managed by an internal IT team, whenever you put data or systems on the cloud, your valuable digital assets are, essentially, under someone elses care. To minimize the resulting inherent risk, a robust cloud security system is necessary.

Here are just a few of the benefits of cloud security:

1. Safer Remote Work Environment

One of the top advantages of incorporating cloud computing into your operations is data accessibility. Anytime an employee has an internet connection, they can interact with the content or systems they need to do their jobs. This gives your company flexibility and agility.

A problem may arise, however, if employees access your cloud infrastructure through unsafe means. For example, if someone slips into a coffee shop, they may sign in using a public network. This leaves your cloud network exposed to any bad actors who may be looking for opportunities on that public, vulnerable connection.

Also, when employees use their personal devicesor take devices from work home with themthey can accidentally expose them to malicious software. When they connect to your cloud environment, anything that sneaked onto their computer or devicesuch as malware or Trojanscould be used to invade your cloud system.

The only way to guard against these kinds of inroads into your infrastructure is to institute a powerful cloud security system.

2. Ensure Safer Stores of Data

Many companies use a cloud environment to back up their data. In the event of a disaster, it is easy to get things up and running because all you have to do is connect to the cloud and grab what you need. However, if this data is not secure, you could end up downloading corrupted files. If these were allowed to penetrate your system, they could affect not just your businesss network and devices but those of customers as well.

A cloud data security system helps shield valuable data from dangerous software, organizations, or people.

3. Meet Regulatory Requirements

In certain sectors, the degree to which you keep data secure can determine whether you are on the right or wrong side of the law. For example, with current Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws, a lax security system could result in the exposure of sensitive datato the extent that you fall out of line with current legislation.

A strong cloud security solution can help you prevent a security slip-up from having serious legal ramifications for your company. This is especially important in light of the fact that those who enforce the law often feel obligated to find someone to blame when things go wrong. A security breach could put your organization in the crosshairs, resulting in bad press, legal battles, and lost shareholder confidence. On the other hand, a complete cloud data security system could prevent problems before they begin.

4. Keep Data in and Attackers Out

A cloud system without thorough security measures in place can be like a data sieve. With so many users accessing the network via a wide selection of devices, it is easy for data to get leaked to the wrong person. Additionally, an unprotected cloud system is a convenient attack surface for hackers.

A cloud security system acts like the door to a vault. It keeps valuable data inside while keeping criminal elements out.

See more here:

What Is Cloud Security? Cloud Security Defined - Fortinet