As we’ve seen, there are many advantages for small businesses in using cloud computing. It enables you to do more with less, accessing critical business applications without the need to pay for ongoing maintenance or upgrades. It also enables services such as Facebook®, LinkedIn® and Twitter, which can offer you unique ways of reaching out to customers and potential employees.
None of this really answers the fundamental question — is cloud computing safe for your small business? The answer, as always, is not as clear as yes or no. Let’s examine the pros and cons, and then a few ways to keep your data more secure in the cloud. |  |
Security pros and cons of cloud computing Pros:
- Data security standards are likely to be higher in your provider’s environment than in your business, especially if the cloud provider is accredited with ISO and other key industry standards.
- Your cloud provider is likely to be better resourced physically and financially to cope with data security threats to its infrastructure than you.
- Your data will still be available, even if you lose a laptop.
Cons:
- Your data will be stored outside the business network and possibly even abroad, which may contravene local data protection laws and regulations. If your internet connection is unstable, there may be problems accessing your services.
- Sites such as Facebook and Twitter are highly prone to attack. A hacked corporate account could do more damage than good from a reputational standpoint, while careless use of the sites by an employee could give criminals a foothold inside the network and an opportunity to mine customer data.
- Automatic data backup and high levels of security are not guaranteed — due diligence must be undertaken.
How to be more secure in the cloud
- Ensure you check into where your data is stored and what security measures are in place from your provider.
- Think about a cloud-based secure backup and online synchronization service for all your data that currently resides on premise. Lost devices can be a major headache but are ultimately replaceable — your customers’ data isn’t.
- Invest in security software that leverages a cloud-based threat protection network, preventing most email and web-borne malware threats before they even reach your desktop, laptop, mobile or network and allowing you to enjoy the benefits of cloud computing while minimizing the risks.
- For mobile devices, this combination of local client software with cloud protection means most of the workload can be dealt within the cloud, freeing up the phone’s processing power for other tasks.
- Encrypt data wherever possible to minimize the risks associated with data loss.
- On social networking sites, ensure your account is safe with strong password and different passwords for each account. Make sure staff are trained in safe browsing. IT Security can be difficult for a nonexpert to keep on top of. One option would be to outsource management of this to a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) or managed service provider who can be the de facto IT department for your business. Cloud services can then be used by this partner to manage all of your security.
Cloud computing, as we have seen, can be a wonderful business enabler. However, it is for you as a small business owner to calculate if it’s the right fit for your current environment. If the limited risks can be properly managed, though, it promises cheaper, faster and more efficient ways of working, which could help your business achieve stellar performance. |
