Cloud System- A Way to Save Data in a Secure Manner

Rounak Dhillon
6 min readSep 17, 2020

Posted On: September 26, 2020

The word ‘cloud’ is used by many services and industries when data is stored on someone else’s infrastructure and hardware. Cloud system in security allows user to outsource the storage for their security-related data. Instead of storing data in hard drives, data can now be stored in internet-connected servers which are managed by data centres. These data centres could be anywhere in the world seamlessly providing data solutions to multiple organizations.

Why does the cloud system play an inevitable role in security?

Saves cost for the business security

Cloud systems are not only secure and convenient, but it’s cost-effective also. Using cloud storage system for security significantly impacts the expenditure on expensive hardware like storage drives, wires and cables. The overhead expenses also reduce considerably as there is no need of IT guys to manage the surveillance and the maintenance part is automatically taken care of by the provider. The user just needs to pay a monthly subscription charge which covers everything. Moreover, there are different payment plans for different storage. So an organization can choose accordingly bringing down the cost per GB.

Well organized data

All the information captured is sent to data centres by the cloud system. That’s a lot of data. But cloud systems keep all the data in a systematized manner so that it easier to for the user access it. It automatically registers every piece of information with the proper date and time of the recording. This way user does not have to waste time in searching and procuring the file. The user has control over what information has to be stored and how to be stored. There’s also a convenient feature to create folders within the cloud and store the information according to the needs and likings of the owner.

Hassle-free access and sharing of information

Cloud systems are built-in with the feature of remote access. Every piece of data can be accessed using an internet network. Users are not bound to access information from the premises only. APIs are generated by the cloud provider for relaxed access to information. Sharing bulky files is very inconvenient. With cloud systems, it has become a thing of past. APIs generated can be shared with clients and colleagues in a secured manner. By using strict access controls, critical data can be kept away from hackers or malicious insiders. For example, API can be shared with specific employees, while restricting others. The main rule is to provide employees with the access of information required for their work.

Allows integrating AI and ML in security

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are the future. Cloud system can be incorporated with AI and ML to make the process of securing a whole lot intelligent. Smart data insights are provided by security hardware. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, the insights provided can be analyzed by the system to provide various suggestions in improving the operations. Manual data capture and analytics eats up a lot of time. With smart systems, all these processes can be automated making the organization a lot efficient.

Easy updates, back-up and recovery

Cloud systems always remain in synchronization with the security devices of the organization. Every time any changes performed are updated with the system in real-time to avoid in discrepancy. Cloud systems are programmed to perform automatic back-ups making the owner stress-free from any data damage. And can be fully recovered anytime using cloud recovery feature built in the system thus saving the organization in an emergency. These devices communicate with cloud servers via the internet. This keeps a check on hardware’s health for the smooth functioning of the security. Updates are an essential part of complying with the latest technology and trends and also keep the system running. All the connected devices across the organization are remotely updated with the latest firmware using cloud systems.

Seamless monitoring

With the cloud, cameras and other surveillance system remain connected to the system round the clock. With a reliable internet connection, every data is uploaded directly to the cloud in real-time. Cloud systems are proved to be beneficial in case of multiple sites. User can manage a large number of cameras spread across various locations with data being categorized according to his needs in the cloud. And all the data is handled by an expert team.

Types of cloud systems

Normally, there are three types of cloud solutions available.

Public Cloud

This the most affordable and common choice of a cloud system. These solutions are provided by large corporates to a wide range of clients. All the resources, software, hardware, infrastructure are shared between clients thus making it a lot cost-effective. The benefits of shared resources are passed onto the client thus making it a lot cheaper. Being set up by large firms, it complies with regulations and is highly reliable. Being a public model, users are not entitled to plenty of customizations. One major reason why organizations prefer this system is because it is managed by experts and requires no maintenance.

Private Cloud

As the name suggests, private cloud is dedicated and accessible to a specified organization only. A single user exerts an unlimited control over the system which makes it an expensive option. It caters to the needs of a large organization with specific demands for their data and security. The equipment and hardware of a private cloud system can reside in the premises or with a third party which is also a reason behind it being costlier. Large institutions grow drastically. They need a cloud system which is scalable and flexible. Private cloud system offers nearly unlimited customization over the public cloud and that is what needed to make their operations efficient.

Hybrid Cloud

With different type of data available for storage in an organization, many of them combine the aspects of both public and private clouds. This yields them greater control over their data and resources, yet still keeping the costs lower than public cloud systems. The hybrid methodology to strike a perfect balance between affordability and customization. Hybrid system offers a unique solution in which users cans store high volume, less valuable data in a public cloud and sensitive and valuable data in the private cloud. Data and information can be moved between public and private to ensure flexibility. This makes businesses cost-effective with a high degree of customization available.

Securing Data of the Cloud — Everything You Need To Know About It

When adopting cloud-based systems for storing information, the security of the data is a major concern for organizations. They fear that their information is not secure on the cloud servers. It’s important to understand the proper set of rules and regulations are followed in the cloud environment to make it as safe and user-friendly as possible.

Cloud security or cloud computing security is the protection of data, applications and infrastructure involved with the cloud to reduce thefts, leakage or deletion. It consists of a set of policies, procedures, protecting measures and technologies that work together to ensure the safety of the data. Some common measures of ensuring cloud security are firewalls, virtual private networks (VPN), penetration testing and avoiding public internet connections. In short, it is a part of cybersecurity.

Cloud security can be customized with the exact needs of the business or individual. All the rules for cloud security are managed and controlled in one place, so it becomes easy to modify the measures and policies with changing needs of the organization. This also reduced the overhead expenses on administration and IT teams. This should be jointly developed and implemented by the organization and the service provider and the results delivered depends on how efficiently the solutions are developed implemented.

To learn more about cloud systems, its applications and security, get in touch with one of our trained cloud specialist.

Originally published at https://igzy.com on September 17, 2020.

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