Debunking cloud myths: 4 truths you should know about cloud-based security systems

In today's interconnected and data-driven world, ensuring the reliability of any security business is paramount. As organizations seek to fortify their defenses against evolving threats, many turn to cloud-based security services – mostly because of their undeniable advanced capabilities. 

However, despite these services' growing popularity and proven effectiveness, misconceptions and myths persist. This blog post debunks some common myths surrounding cloud-based security services. By separating facts from old mindsets, we aim to empower businesses and security professionals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their security strategies. Are you curious how challenging old beliefs can help you grow your business?

Let's start.

Myth 1 🧐: Cloud-based security systems are less secure than on-premises solutions.

💡: One of the most common myths is the notion that the cloud is inherently less secure than traditional on-premises security measures. Cloud-based security systems provide a high level of security because cloud service providers have more resources to invest extensively in robust security measures. These include disaster recovery, data encryption, firewalls, access controls, and periodic security audits. Cloud-based solutions are also more secure because they are operated in secured data centers and managed by vendors with specialized expertise. SaaS providers are intrinsically motivated to provide best-in-class security and data protection and have clear processes that define how to handle data breaches. They often have in-house teams of security experts to protect their infrastructure and customer data. Since they are also able to monitor and respond to threats in real-time, this can be more effective than relying on internal IT staff.

Myth 2 🧐: Cloud-based security systems give up control over data.

💡: Cloud-based security systems do not give up control over data. Instead, they offer additional security measures and specialized expertise to help organizations better protect their data. Organizations can also implement their own security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to supplement the security provided by the cloud provider. While the data may be stored and processed in the cloud, customers still retain ownership and control of their data. Cloud providers typically offer comprehensive data access controls, allowing users to specify who can access and manage their data. Their expertise and focus on security allow them to stay ahead of emerging threats and adopt the latest security best practices.

Myth 3 🧐: Cloud-based security systems are costlier than on-premises solutions.

💡: Despite the initial migration and setup costs, cloud-based security systems can be more cost-effective in the long run. By eliminating expensive hardware and software, in-house IT staff, infrastructure investment, and ongoing maintenance, outsourcing security operations to cloud technology can provide financial and administrative benefits. Cloud solutions offer subscription-based fees or come as a pay-as-you-use model. This allows enterprises to scale their security needs as needed. The provider takes care of all data exchange and storage, which is an added benefit for many organizations.

Myth 4 🧐: Cloud-based security only suits small businesses.

💡: Cloud-based security systems are suitable for businesses of all sizes. One reason they can cater to small startups to large enterprises is the robust scalability of cloud security. As a business grows, cloud security can easily extend protection to new devices, users, and locations from physical and cyber security threats. Also, they are independent of any hardware, eliminating the need for businesses and individuals to purchase or maintain any additional devices to use the solution. Cloud providers offer flexible pricing models, allowing organizations to only pay for the resources they need. This scalability makes cloud-based security an attractive option for businesses with varying needs – regardless of size.

The cloud for future-proof security operations

There are several reasons why security professionals may choose to migrate their security operations to a cloud-based security system. And they all make their operations fit-for-future – let's look:

• Enhanced Security Capabilities: Cloud-based security systems often offer more advanced protection that on-premises solutions can't easily match. A key advantage is that they can leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to detect and respond to security threats more effectively. They can also provide better access controls and identity management than local systems. Using multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and other advanced techniques, they ensure that only authorized users can access critical data and applications. As a result, they reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents. In addition, cloud-based security systems often have better disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities that enable organizations to minimize downtime and recover quickly from security incidents. By leveraging these capabilities, security professionals can improve their overall security posture and protect against new threats.
  
• Centralized Management and Visibility: Cloud-based security systems often provide centralized management platforms for managing security events, configuring security policies, and gaining real-time insights across multiple environments. These platforms facilitate updates across all devices, applications, and users, regardless of location. Embracing their operations with this centralized approach gives security teams better visibility into their security posture, making it easier to identify potential security threats and respond to them quickly.
  
• Rapid Deployment and Updates: Unlike on-site systems, which can take weeks or even months to deploy, cloud-based security systems are quick to implement: Often, they are up and running within hours or days. Because cloud providers handle system updates and security patches, cloud-based security systems are also updated more frequently and automatically. This ensures that the latest security patches and fixes are implemented immediately and applied to all devices and applications in real-time. That way, security professionals can quickly deploy robust security measures, freeing up time to focus on proactive security measures rather than managing a complex infrastructure.
  
• Collaboration and Integration: Cloud-based security systems enable seamless integrations with other cloud services and security solutions such as identity and access management, threat intelligence, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. That way, they give businesses a more holistic view of their security landscape. In addition to breaking up the siloed security operations often resulting from on-premises systems, cloud-based security systems also enhance collaboration between security teams. They help them streamline their processes, achieve a more holistic view of their security landscape, and collaborate more effectively on incident response.
  

Tip: If you're looking for a cloud-based security system, it's crucial to evaluate the different options based on the provider's service features, reputation, and compliance with relevant security standards. Engaging in discussions with the cloud provider, asking questions, and seeking demos or trials to evaluate their service firsthand is also helpful. By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about choosing the right cloud-based security service that aligns with your business growth and customers' needs.

Do you want to assess your security needs? We're here to help.

evalink is committed to supporting security professionals with cloud-based solutions built for specific security challenges. Contact us to discover the power of cloud-based security solutions and evaluate how they can fit your organization's security operations.