Unlocking the Advantages of Cloud Computing for Businesses
Cloud computing is continuing to grow. No longer an emerging market, the infrastructure is here to stay — and the anticipated way of the future. Cloud computing fits every type of industry and can help accelerate businesses into a new era of productivity and security. While many have seen the writing on the wall, the majority are still hesitant to transition from decades-old technology and habits due to a variety of factors and risks. Understandably, we as humans often don’t like change. Yet, however intimidating or risky that cloud technology may seem, the benefits of cloud computing have been proven to save business owners money and provide real peace of mind. The cloud computing advantages include transforming workloads, increasing efficiency, and enhancing productivity for businesses of all sizes.
Network security is important to businesses of all sizes in today’s digital landscape. As the world economy continues to become more intertwined with the internet, cybercrimes become an increasingly serious threat. Malicious actors and hackers are constantly looking for weak entry points and poor system configurations in order to infiltrate private networks. This was the case in 2020, and the problem continues to persist today.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of businesses across the globe quickly tried to digitize their business to fit a remote work environment. Unfortunately, many of these businesses were trying to implement protocols and infrastructure in a matter of months, when a successful transition takes a significantly longer period of time. This resulted in digital “open doors” and outdated technology that opportunistic cybercriminals take advantage of.
The good news, though: A solution exists. When businesses invest in cloud computing architecture and have their network(s) set up by a knowledgeable team better secure their business from outside threats and quickly gain the cost-effective benefits associated with a cloud-native infrastructure.
Say goodbye to hardware with cloud computing
By investing in cloud computing, your business is ditching the physical equipment. Cloud-based services offer numerous benefits, such as accelerating digital transformation, achieving global reach, ensuring high availability, and providing elasticity in scaling resources based on demand. You no longer need to buy and maintain your own in-house servers and related hardware. By cutting these hardware costs, you are also eliminating the need for more power and space – curbing your overhead costs. Instead, your data is held on the vendor’s servers, where they are in charge of upkeep and maintenance. This is where cloud storage comes into play, enabling data accessibility from anywhere and ensuring reliability through routine upgrades and testing by cloud providers. This also can lead to a reduction in necessary IT staff for your business – helping slash payroll if needed.
Say hello to improved productivity with cloud computing advantages
The power of cloud computing enables employees to access data from anywhere, spend more time working, and less time waiting on infrastructure updates and patches. A reliable internet connection is essential for accessing data and utilizing various cloud services, enabling mobility and seamless operations. Deploying cloud updates and software is often fast and precise, compared to traditional installations. These updates are done by your cloud vendor, allowing you and your employees to focus on what tasks need to get done and not what network fixes need to be pushed.
Investment flexibility and cost savings
Most cloud-based computing solutions feature payment models that are pay-as-you-go. Cloud computing services, including SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, offer various benefits and drawbacks that businesses should consider. This enables businesses to only pay for cloud services and storage that fits their needs in that moment and time. This payment model allows businesses to quickly upscale or downscale their cloud services to match their requirements at each stage of their business’s lifecycle, leading to significant cost savings. In doing so, a firm can ensure they are getting a good return on investment and are not overpaying for services that are left unused. Some services cloud-computing solutions can provide:
1. DDoS protection and disaster recovery
In 2020, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks spiked. Cybercriminals weren’t shy about their intentions as they aimed to overwhelm network resources. Cloud computing vendors work continuously to monitor for DDoS attacks and if detected, they aim to absorb and disperse any traffic influx away from a business’s server. As DDoS attacks can be debilitating to a business’s network and website for hours and days, having the necessary resources to deter this type of attack is critical.
2. Enhanced data security
Cloud security is, in fact, a safer option for businesses to store their sensitive data on, in contrast to in-house hardware and networks. Why? Cloud computing providers have intense protocol measures and monitoring behaviors in place to safeguard against potential server breaches. With strong file encryption and strict access control to server locations, there is a slim possibility of a breach on the servers. Additionally, data backup is crucial for disaster recovery and business continuity, as it allows businesses to quickly restore their data in the event of any data loss or system failure. Cloud providers also offer robust disaster recovery options, ensuring business continuity and quick recovery from unforeseen disasters through features like data redundancy, backup systems, and geographically dispersed data centers.
3. Around the clock support
When a business entrusts its information to a cloud service provider, it benefits from 24/7 monitoring and support. This constant vigilance ensures that any issues are promptly addressed, minimizing disruptions and maintaining smooth operations. Cloud providers are responsible for safeguarding your data and ensuring that only authorized users can access it. With a dedicated team of IT professionals focusing exclusively on data security, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected in today’s digital landscape. However, it’s important to consider potential challenges, such as downtime, connectivity issues, and data security and privacy concerns. By weighing these considerations, businesses can make informed decisions and leverage the full benefits of cloud computing while addressing any potential risks.
Looking ahead
If you’re seeking guidance on advancing your cybersecurity program, Cyber Defense Group is here to help. Leveraging a cloud provider offers substantial benefits, including enhanced security through a shared responsibility model and environmental sustainability. At Cyber Defense Group, we’re transforming cybersecurity consulting to meet the unique needs of cloud-native, or cloud-reliant companies experiencing rapid growth. Our tailored, results-driven approach not only addresses your immediate needs but also prepares you for future challenges. Partner with us to ensure your cybersecurity program is robust, scalable, and ready for what lies ahead. Get in touch, and see what results are possible for your organization.