Cloud computing is a growing industry expected to take over traditional computing in modern enterprises. According to data, the global cloud computing market is expected to reach $881.80 billion by 2027.
As the trajectory of cloud computing adoption points up, many organizations have to battle misleading myths and misconceptions about cloud computing that are slowing down their adoption and use.
Here’s what you need to know about cloud computing, cloud security, and the most common myths that are debunked.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing delivers computing services, including storage, software, and processing power, over the internet instead of using on-premise or local hardware.
Cloud computing allows businesses to access and manage their applications and data from any location globally, at any time, and on any device. Therefore, the organization can scale its IT resources more efficiently with lower upfront costs and greater agility to adapt to changing business needs.
Cloud computing is enjoying wide acceptance across several organizations. According to research, 94% of organizations use cloud computing, with many realizing benefits in operations, collaborations, and business efficiency.
What Is Cloud Security?
Cloud security is an essential subject in cloud computing. Cloud security is a combination of technologies and procedures that address internal and external threats to an organization’s security. Cloud security is vital for organizations transitioning to a fully-digital strategy powered by the cloud.
Cloud security seeks to balance productivity offered by the cloud with enhanced security to ensure your business data and operations are secure from internal and external attacks. Operating insecure cloud technologies and applications can have severe consequences for organizations, such as data loss, identity fraud, and ransom attacks.
With the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape, organizations must have cloud security as one of their top investments as they continue with their digital transformation strategy and cloud migration.
Top Cloud Computing Myths Debunked
Some businesses may be unsure about their cloud transition and reliance on cloud security because of several myths around the subject. Here’re the most common ones.
Cloud Computing Is Not Secure
Many ill-informed stories, opinions, and forums suggest that cloud computing is not secure because cloud services can be accessed anywhere via the internet. Therefore, your company’s resources are more susceptible to data breaches and cyberattacks.
However, that is far from the truth. The cloud is one of the most secure areas to store, access, and process company data and applications.
Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) use a shared responsibility model to ensure top security for all cloud users on their platforms. CSPs enforce security measures such as data encryption, network security, physical security, and identity and access management to ensure no unauthorized persons can access the stored data or applications.
Cloud Computing Is Only For Large Enterprises
Large businesses may seem better positioned to utilize cloud computing, but that doesn’t imply that the technology is only reserved for them. Unlike the popular myth, small businesses can leverage the full power of cloud computing.
Cloud computing is agile and elastic, making it a suitable choice for businesses of all sizes. It scales easily, meaning large and small businesses will find cloud computing useful and flexible as they require more resources and serve more customers.
Cloud Computing Is Too Expensive
Cloud computing is often considered expensive because of the initial implementation cost. Despite the initial one-time cost, cloud computing is cheaper in the long run since your business saves significantly on infrastructure, staff, and software needed to maintain an on-premise solution.
CSPs also offer scalable infrastructure that you can size to your business’s needs, ensuring you save cost and eliminate waste.
The Cloud Is Too Complex To Use
Some businesses have the incorrect perception that the cloud is too complex to use and requires a lot of technical expertise to set up. However, most cloud service providers use simple interfaces to make setting up and managing your cloud environment and services easy.
Also, with the help of a managed IT services provider, you can have experts handle any complexities of setting up and running your cloud, including cloud security, at a fraction of the cost of having an in-house team.
Cloud Security Maintenance Is Complicated
With the right CSP, updating your cloud and maintaining security should be an easy experience.
A professional cloud services provider will employ the best practices and operational procedures to ensure seamless security maintenance that will alleviate most of the stress you deal with when handling on-premise cybersecurity maintenance.
Cloud Providers Can Access Your Data
This is one of the most common myths about cloud computing. Some opinions and forums incorrectly assume that CSPs have unrestricted access to your corporate data and systems on their clouds. However, this is untrue.
While CSPs need access to your infrastructure in their platform to perform various services, they are restricted by data privacy laws from accessing your data and fiddling with its confidentiality or security.
Most CSPs proactively invest in measures to ensure complete data privacy for their customers, such as data encryption.
Cloud Computing Is Not Compliant
Despite the growing adoption of cloud computing across industries, there’s a persistent myth that using cloud computing is non-compliant. However, cloud computing has the opposite effect in some industries, helping establish compliance easily compared to running on-premise systems.
CSPs invest heavily in compliance, fulfilling various requirements such as HIPAA, SEC, FINRA, CMMC, and GDPR, reducing the workload on your business.
Work With A Trusted Cloud Expert
The cloud is an excellent platform to scale your business and offer better IT services for your employees and customers. Despite the various myths circulating, the cloud remains one of the most secure and trusted platforms for businesses to enact their digital strategy.
