Despite the cloud’s growing prevalence, many professionals still approach this “new” technology with a mix of curiosity and caution. While some organizations have fully embraced the cloud, moving entire document management systems and storage to hybrid public-private models, others remain hesitant, asking the crucial question: “Is the cloud actually secure?”
These concerns are not unfounded. The idea of moving sensitive data off-premises or potentially exposing it to cyberthreats gives many decision-makers pause. After all, how secure can our information really be when it’s stored on someone else’s servers?
To help answer that question—and help you navigate the important decision of moving to the cloud—let’s take a look at the realities of its security.
Survey responses show contradictory cloud security opinions
Despite the growing popularity of cloud computing, many individuals and businesses still have reservations.
“One-third of respondents whose firms have moved less than 50% of their data and apps to the cloud mentioned security as a concern and core reason for hesitation to migrate.” – 2024 Accounting Firm Technology Survey, Rightworks
In fact, one-third of 2024 Accounting Technology Survey respondents whose firms have moved less than 50% of their data and apps to the cloud said that security was their core reason for not migrating everything.
Yet, the data also indicates that improved cybersecurity is a significant advantage recognized by firms that have adopted cloud technology, second only to the ability to support flexible and remote work arrangements.
If the competing statistics seem contradictory, it’s because they are:
- People move to the cloud because it’s secure.
- People don’t move to the cloud because they’re worried it’s not secure.
No matter which side of the fence you’re on, let’s face it: Any concern about technology and security is valid. High-profile data breaches make headlines regularly, and the idea of entrusting valuable data to a third party can feel risky.
However, before we draw any conclusions, it’s important to understand how cloud technology works and why working with a provider may be the best thing you can do, security-wise.
Is moving to the cloud—and leaving security up to a provider—safe?
While no system is 100% impenetrable, reputable cloud providers offer security measures that often surpass what most businesses can implement on their own.
Here’s why:
1. They stake their entire business on keeping you secure.
Cloud providers stake their entire business on keeping customer data safe.
Look at the recent data breaches in the news—do you think people are lining up to buy solutions and products from these cyber victims? Or do you think it’s more likely that, because of the data breach, the company has experienced its lowest sales quarter yet…and possibly more customer churn than ever before?
Winning customer and client trust takes time. And with one errant click or breach…it’s gone.
2. They aren’t just using one type of security.
There’s no other way to say it: Cloud providers hate “one-and-done” products like Norton or McAfee. While great for the at-home PC user who mainly uses their computer for checking the weather or responding to the family email thread, these applications are not advanced enough to block and monitor threats 24/7.
Cloud providers are essentially the opposite of these security software brands, and instead, offer:
- Enterprise-grade firewalls and intrusion detection.
- Data encryption in transit and at rest.
- Regular security audits and penetration testing.
- Artificial intelligence to detect anomalies and potential threats.
- Stringent physical security measures, such as biometric access controls, 24/7 surveillance and redundant power systems.
- Automatic system updates and security patches (closing vulnerabilities very quickly).
To try and do that yourself would be nearly impossible. The average small business just doesn’t have enough resources to handle it all.
3. Industry compliance is built in.
Every business with certain types of operations, such as those that maintain customer data, take credit cards, etc., must comply with the same rigorous industry standards.
GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001—and so many others—are all built into a good cloud provider’s system.
When reviewing potential cloud providers, check out which compliances they follow to give you a sense of how much they care about security.
For example:
- A GDPR-compliant cloud provider demonstrates that it takes user privacy seriously and has robust security practices in place to protect personal data.
- PCI DSS compliance shows the provider has implemented rigorous security controls specifically to protect sensitive payment information.
- An ISO 27001-certified provider shows they have a systematic approach to managing information security risks across their entire organization.
If a cloud provider is following these protocols, among others, it means their customer data is protected. (And by default, as their customer, your customers’ data would be protected, too.)
What aspect is most important for cloud security?
When it comes down to it, the most important aspect of the cloud and its security is you. Full stop.
By itself—and when implemented by the right provider—the cloud is a secure technology. But for it to remain secure, it must be used by people who understand their active role in cybersecurity.
Assess your specific needs, understand your risk tolerance and identify your industry’s specific security requirements. Then, call a cloud provider to discuss if the cloud is right for you.
And for more information about the cloud, its security and keeping yourself safe from cyberthreats, subscribe to our blog.
