The technical definition of cloud technology sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s really not that complicated. When you migrate to the cloud, your stuff -- whether it be data, apps, or computing resources -- will be stored in a secure facility and on computers you don’t have to manage. Once there, all that stuff can be accessed from anywhere, provided there’s a decent internet connection, which is everywhere (at least here in New York and White Plains).

The advantages of the cloud are endless, but thanks to some bad publicity, many people believe the cloud is some poorly managed platform full of dark secrets and nude photos that hackers can easily break into.

After the iCloud, Sony, and Amazon Web Service hacks, we don’t blame you for believing this, but the cloud really is safer than you think. And no, we’re not just saying that because we offer cloud services.

Cloud providers are better than a small IT team

Traditionally, most companies keep their servers onsite so they have complete control over how their data and resources are managed. In fact, if done right, traditional computing can be more secure than the cloud.

You just need a half dozen technicians who can monitor your systems around-the-clock for vulnerabilities, a coach who can train your staff about security best practices, a handful of experts who know how to use the latest network security tools, and a software specialist to update your apps regularly. You can afford all that, right?

Yeaaaahhh, probably not.

Most small- and medium-sized businesses don’t have that kind of dough. Besides, you’d probably be more willing to spend it on developing new revenue streams anyway.

Fortunately, cloud providers do offer those kinds of expertise and resources. After migrating your data to their facilities, they’ll watch over it 24/7 and make sure their systems are constantly updated and protected against the latest cyberattacks. The best part is it costs a fraction of hiring a dedicated IT department.

Powerful security systems

There are cloud skeptics who say they can secure their business just fine with their current security systems. We scoff in their general direction. Clearly, they haven’t seen a real hacker in action.

Today's cybercriminals know how to tip-toe past antivirus software and manipulate your staff into giving up sensitive information. They can con employees with phishing emails, exploit outdated web browsers, or flood networks with traffic till they fail.

Our point is that security ain't easy.

When you work with a cloud provider, they cover your assets with automatically updated, enterprise-grade firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, encryption, and access controls. Apart from network security, their facilities are secured with surveillance cameras, and security guards -- the whole shebang.

If you have all these, you might be fine without a cloud provider. But that brings us to the next issue…

What about disasters?

Storing files onsite but not offsite is dangerous for several reasons. First and foremost, what happens if a storm or fire destroys your entire server room? And what if a cyberattack renders your data center completely useless? Sorry, but the answer to both questions is this: You’ll be out of business within a month.

...you’ve got to be prepared for everything.

The benefit of using the cloud is your data is stored on multiple servers that are spread across the country. This means if a freak accident occurred, your data is always safe and accessible at one of its other locations, which is great if you’re under strict compliance regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS.

It’s healthy to have doubts about cloud security. After all, we’re not saying it's completely infallible. But the risks of a traditional computing environment is far more dangerous, especially if your IT guy is always at least one day behind.

Don’t forget that Red Key Solutions is a cloud services provider. So if you’re interested in moving up to the cloud, call us today.

Red Key is a leading cybersecurity company serving New York City, Westchester County, Fairfield County Connecticut, California & beyond. Click here to learn more.