In a World where the idea of working together in a centralised place is now an uncertainty, companies, employers, and employees should understand the importance of cyber-security. Here we look at the vulnerability of cloud-based services.
The importance of cloud services continues to be amplified as the world becomes more reliant upon technology. In addition to the general advancements that have been taking place in UK workplaces, remote work has also become more common. As such, the ability for various workers to be able to access shared data from many different locations has become a necessary element for many organisations to continue operations.
But while remote work might offer employees flexibility and convenience, these situations may also present tempting targets for cyber-criminals. With that in mind, it is important for organisations to be diligent and understand what type of cloud service will provide adequate cyber-security in order to protect their data and their employees.
Public Cloud
Public cloud services live up to their name by being generally accessible to most people. In some cases, all that is needed to access a public cloud is an email address.
Public cloud services do not provide the same inherent level of cyber-security as other types of services. It is fully possible that a cyber-criminal could easily be utilising the same service as your organisation.
Those using public cloud services should be sure to implement strong alternative cyber-security and control measures in order to keep their data protected.
Community Cloud
These types of services generally host a specific community, and members are often required to agree to certain rules or standards. Community cloud services are flexible and can be shaped to fit the needs of their members.
The fact that community services are dedicated to a designated group provides greater overall security than a public cloud service, but users must still be sure that they can trust their fellow members before sharing information.
Private Cloud
These services are generally intended for a single organisation and can be built specifically to fit the organisation’s cyber-security needs.
For organisations that handle sensitive data and require greater separation controls, services will have to be monitored, managed, and maintained by the organisation itself, unless there is a specific agreement that the private cloud service provider will do so.
In Conclusion
While many organisations have become aware of how cloud services can allow their workplaces to operate smoothly, there are still many aspects of these services that may not be fully understood.
One of the most important steps to utilising cloud services optimally is understanding what type of cloud service model is right for your organisation.
Many of these models may even have similar names, such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (Paas) and software as a service (SaaS). The fact that these different products have similarities in how they are labelled may add even more confusion when determining which is the right choice.
Still, it is important that your organisation invests the time to understand these cloud service models and assess which type will best fit your needs. When selecting the right technology, consider what makes each of these models different:
- IaaS
This type of cloud model means that the provider is the owner and manager of the infrastructure that hosts your software, including servers, networks, and storage. This type of service may be optimal for organisations that do not want to purchase or maintain their own hardware. While using an IaaS service, your IT team will still be in charge of managing your organisation’s data, operating systems, applications, and functions. This means that organisations generally have greater control and flexibility using IaaS models compared with other types of service models.
- PaaS
Like IaaS models, PaaS service providers own and maintain the hardware for an organisation’s data. Furthermore, with PaaS services, the provider will also supply operating systems and databases, which means less labour for your IT employees. Your organisation will still be responsible for maintaining applications, functions, and other data. PaaS models may help to facilitate collaborative work between employees who are working remotely.
- SaaS
SaaS models are generally the simplest type of cloud service model for users to operate. These models provide secure storage of data in the cloud, meaning that users do not have to worry about losing information just because their device might break or be misplaced. Typically, SaaS models do not require downloads, installations, or updates, as these aspects of the software are managed by the service provider.
Utilising technology has proven to be one of the most helpful things during the uncertainty of Coronavirus, and understanding your requirements and dangers you are exposed to can be difficult. What is certain, is the current need for a robust and wide Cyber Liabilities Insurance Policy to protect you, your company, and your clients.
https://www.turnerinsurance.co.uk/commercial/cyber-liability/