A Short Guide To Choosing The Right Cloud Security Solutions For Your Business

Businesses worldwide are shifting to the cloud as the world gets more digitalized. Cloud solutions will continue to gain traction due to the importance of the remote working model today.

Cloud computing solutions depend heavily on the Internet of Things (IoT). But therein lies the problem, as this exposes you to cyber threats. The rate of cyber-criminal activity has been on the rise. Therefore, businesses must have strong cybersecurity defenses set up.

Most cloud solutions come packaged as software as a service (SaaS) products. Even though cloud systems are relatively secure, they’re still not completely immune to cyberattacks. That’s why cloud security is essential.

Ensure to choose a cloud security service provider based on your needs. Your decision will likely come down to adopting either Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) or Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). When choosing between CIEM vs. CSPM, keep in mind that both tools have unique applications in cloud security infrastructures.

Therefore, you’ll have to employ the one which best meets your cloud security needs. Here’s a guide to choosing the right cloud security solutions for your business.

1. Assess Reliability And Performance

You shouldn’t rely on just online reviews to verify the reliability of a SaaS company. Comparing their performance in the last few months against their service level agreements (SLA) is a better approach. It should be noted that you may have to request these materials directly as certain service providers may not publish them.

Because downtime is commonplace, it’s improbable that you’ll find a service provider with a flawless performance record. However, you must observe how they dealt with that downtime. That’s what matters most.

Check that they have access to proper reporting and monitoring tools. You must also check whether they have strategies and procedures that outline how they intend to cope with unanticipated downtimes.

2. Consider Data Governance And Security

Your company should ideally have a data management policy in place. This will outline how your firm or organization manages data to maintain security. In this case, you should seek service providers who can satisfy your specific data management and security requirements.

First, find out where and how the service provider stores their data. A service provider should ideally be forthcoming with this information. You also need to know the company’s policies concerning data privacy and personal data governance.

You must also inquire whether it is possible to encrypt data in transit over the cloud. Encryption is a critical tool for ensuring data security, and it would be beneficial if your cloud solution provider employed it.

Find out the service provider’s policy for dealing with data loss or breaches. Even if they have sophisticated security protocols, there is no assurance that a breach will not occur. It’s always ideal to have a proactive approach to cybersecurity, which demands you to do vulnerability testing regularly to avoid breaches. A service provider with no data loss or breach recovery plan may be a red flag.

3. Consider Technology And Support Services

Check whether the features of your prospective cloud solution align with your goals and objectives. You must also confirm the range of services on offer. For example, some service providers offer around-the-clock assistance. Some service providers could also provide personnel support in areas with skills gaps in your business—think managed IT services.

Nevertheless, if you want to stick to one or a few service providers, you want to ensure they have all the services you could need. But if you don’t mind having several cloud service providers, this may not be a deal breaker.

4. Consider Migration Support

Check whether your service provider has procedures and resources to help with cloud migration. Most cloud service providers have this option. But, to be sure, you should inquire directly. Be wary of companies that require vendor lock-in since this makes it difficult to switch to a different service provider.

5. Check For Certifications

Before working with a service provider, verify whether they follow industry best practices and standards. You may visit their website to determine whether they have certificates or accreditation.

Certificates are important since they demonstrate compliance. Ascertain whether the service provider followed any of the existing cybersecurity guidelines. There are numerous certificates that one may obtain, so having more than one is a good sign.

6. Review Service Level Agreements (SLA)

Before entering any arrangement, consider the terms and conditions outlined in the contract or SLA. You must ensure that it has a penalty or an exit clause. These provisions will safeguard you if the service provider fails to fulfill contractual duties. This makes them liable should they fail to fulfill agreed-upon service levels.

Conclusion

Cloud security is crucial for any business which uses cloud-based solutions. Make sure the cloud solutions you choose have the security features your company needs. Additionally, it would be best to thoroughly research your options to determine which best meets your requirements. Consider all of the features and packages that they provide. Afterward, choose the best one for you.