The cloud has probably impacted the future of business more than any other single factor. When attempting to effect a digital transformation from traditional on-premises hardware, the 24/7 data availability undoubtedly is of tremendous benefit, but a constantly moving perimeter brings with it increased security challenges.

If there is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic taught, is that with increased operational flexibility and remote work, attack surfaces, insecure data transfers, and even compliance issues also increased tenfold. Security challenges to physical business premises also increased with either ill-intentioned incursions or health and hygiene issues.

The importance of cloud security is now front and center for any website designer or developer. Building and managing a web design service can be challenging as it is, but any service needs to focus on a client’s needs and be able to customize offerings. 

Integrated cloud security systems become fundamental in web design and development because even a single intrusion can create havoc for a client and have repercussions for your own design business. You may lose clients and even be penalized in search results.

What Is a Cloud-Based Security System?

When considering cloud security, we are referring to a variety of technologies and procedures that have been formulated to protect a business against both internal and external security threats. With the digital transformation of businesses across the globe and the increased use of cloud-based tools, the security of technology becomes a necessary part of any business infrastructure.

The technological optimization of business organization brings with it new security challenges. Undoubtedly, cloud-based tools improve both the capabilities and flexibility of a business’ on-premises physical structure, but if these capabilities are not secure, there can be grave consequences. 

10 Key Reasons to Select Cloud-Based Security Solutions 

1. Data Security

Data security is one of the top issues, if not the number one concern, for both companies and consumers. The protection of privacy and personal as well as financial data is the basis of trust between a company and its clients. The increase in the use of personal devices has allowed for an increase in attacks.

Cloud-based security solutions can protect the entire lifecycle of data through encryption, safe passwords, MFA – multi-factor authentication and continually tested backups. The integration of multi-factor authentication featuring several levels of authentication is designed to increase an organization’s level of protection.  

Web designers must protect personal data and payment information from data breaches, data loss, cross-site scripting intrusions, and DDoS attacks whether volume, protocol, or application layer attacks.

2. Threat Management

Cloud-based security will be applied to all organizational endpoints such as access points and ports, applications, devices, etc. Cloud-based solutions will include a central management hub with all security procedures integrated onto a single platform. 

Necessities such as visibility, the monitoring of internet-based security attacks, physical property intrusion, logistical management, access point and video management of physical properties, fire, and smoke detection, can all be managed from a single platform that is directly connected to law enforcement and emergency service providers, and it will be active 24/7 for 365 days a year.

3. System and Cost Scalability

One of the principal benefits to cloud-based systems is scalability. Security can be scaled to specific needs for security coverage, capacity, and eventual fluctuations in an organization’s demands. The expenses incurred will vary with the organization’s needs. If you have seasonal high traffic, the server capacity will be increased to avoid crashes and meet operational requirements. If the company has a period of scaled back activity, expenses will be reduced as well.

4. Automatic Compliance with Regulatory Demands

Regulated industries and sectors have a constant concern to comply with regulatory requirements, updates, and modifications, especially when dealing with privacy and data security. Cloud-based security systems are continually updated to comply with federal and local regulatory requirements. 

5. Technological Support

A principal and debilitating problem with physical onsite security solutions can be a complete system failure and the amount of time required for repair. Cloud-based security solutions can keep a system up and functioning even if single components may fail. The constant technological monitoring, failover protocols, and geo-redundancy are all designed to avoid system failure and interruption. System monitoring permits host providers to address problems immediately.

When designing, a complete support system needs to be integrated affording clients 24/7 protection. Building in redundancies can ensure that a clients web service is always up and running with built-in preventative security measures. A specific process has been designed into the system to step in and repair any potential security challenge.

6. DDoS -Distributed Denial of Service

Ill-intentioned hackers target an organization’s computer system by flooding it with numerous requests simultaneously. Websites automatically will slow for loading and risk crashing as request numbers exceed site limits. Cloud-based security systems will look for, identify, and stop bulk traffic that is suspected of targeting an organization’s servers. This means preventing downtime that will inevitably cost a company money. 

7. Updates and Maintenance

One of the principal causes for viruses and malware infections is unpatched software. For many organizations it’s quite difficult to maintain software updated when occupied with daily operations. This allows for disruptions, loss of data, and occasionally falling prey to ransomware. Cloud-based hosting providers install patches and update software continually, meaning organizations will not experience any system downtime. 

Automated updates and alerts facilitate rapid responses to hackers and cybercrime. Security credentials can also be updated without any delay. Cloud-based systems feature advanced automation that can be used to monitor and control workflows and people flow.  The possibility to integrate cloud-based systems with physical location security data will improve an organization’s overall security thus lessening vulnerabilities, saving time, and avoiding attacks that can affect operations.

8. Data Recovery 

Human error, power outages, and natural disasters can all lead to the loss of data. While organizations should be prepared with a Disaster Recovery Plan, that should also be tested at regular intervals, many do not. A cloud-based security system will store data in an entirely different location that benefits from automatic backups and around the clock security and surveillance.

9. Flexibility and Remote Management

The remote management of security tools using cloud-based platforms can also meet physical security needs. Management will be able to access, modify, and offer quick responses to issues that arise. 

Cloud-based systems do not require a physical server. Data can be managed from any location as long as there is an internet connection. Less space is needed at physical premises for an infrastructure that might eventually be compromised due to component failure, natural disaster, or the ill-intentioned. Cloud-based security management facilitates an organization’s remote operations and enables an immediate response to any type of security need. 

10. Integration of IOT Devices and Artificial Intelligence 

Wireless devices vary in capabilities from managing smart locks and RFID door readers, to smart lighting, which can all be managed from a cloud-based security system. Monitoring and sending alerts are rapid and easy. Cloud-based security systems also can host artificial intelligence programs to permit the recognition of specific threats and undesirable behaviors rapidly and alert to security risks allowing for quicker intervention.

In Conclusion

Traditional working methods have been challenged by globalization, technological advancements, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Traditional on-premises hardware alone is no longer up to the challenges posed. Fortunately, the advancement of technology has also provided cloud-based security solutions to contrast threats and mitigate risks management.

While web design naturally focuses on performance, cloud security can no longer be an afterthought. Cloud security now more than ever requires security being built into platforms from day one.

Cloud security design permits customers to maintain a secured IT structure despite adding new capabilities or the rapidity of operations, and they will not be able to be easily or readily bypassed or compromised. Because cloud environments are complex and the speed of applications have increased, incorporating security into development and design from the beginning is one of the best tools available for guaranteeing cybersecurity.