As companies increasingly look to cloud computing, they must also consider exposing themselves to more risks. As noted by many IT specialists, including the team at tregroup.net, security rarely gets as much attention as speed, efficiency, scalability, and other cloud service components.
This article aims to close this gap and explain what to look for when choosing a cloud security provider.
Pay Attention to These Must-Have Characteristics
Start by evaluating the following parameters:
Access Control Policies
A cloud computing company needs clear policies for everything data-related. Even more importantly, it must be compatible with your existing infrastructure and coding.
As the chunks of code are continuously uploaded to the cloud, it’ll be the provider’s responsibility to ensure the right people will be able to access it. Outside of groups and individuals that are granted access, no one else should be able to penetrate that data.
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Data Encryption
Let’s say you discuss key company issues on a conference video call. You wouldn’t want this information to be transferred unconcealed. This is why a good cloud storage solution should be able to encrypt your data for transit.
In addition to standard practices, your security contractor should be on top of the latest encryption trends. Hackers get very creative trying to tap into them and learn sensitive information, so the security team should be willing to improve and strengthen the system.
Data Breach Policies
A good vendor should have ready-to-use methods for handling worst-case scenarios. If there is a data breach, there should be a policy governing every action. Plus, there should be minimal timespan between the discovery of the issue and countermeasures.
Ask what measures the vendor uses. It shouldn’t be a secret – after all, you have a right to know all about the rapid response and their actions in the aftermath of data loss.
Cross-Platform Protection
The cloud offers numerous benefits for the business, making corporate processes accessible from anywhere. But without cross-platform considerations, you’ll quickly miss out on the benefits.
See if the cloud security vendor is capable of protecting different types of communication channels. Pay special attention to the ones you’re already using, but also consider that you might add more as the company grows.
Adaptability
Not every employer plans flexible workspaces after most of the world has gone back to normal. But adaptability stretches far beyond optimizing software for home-office use.
Adaptability is about ensuring business continuity and integrating products and services that support it. Your cloud solution is one such service. All security features and measures must follow the same standards, regardless of the device or network.
Customer Service
The security vendor is there to help you, so you should always feel welcome. You should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. Knowing that the company will be there if any trouble arises and will provide a quick and satisfying response is essential.
Of course, you can’t always know how the company will handle certain situations before they happen. But initial consultations and customer reviews should give you a pretty good idea.
Consider These Additional Characteristics and Features
While these parameters are not as essential, they will help you narrow down the list of providers to the best of the best:
Innovation
It’s beneficial when a provider strives to improve their native capabilities. It can be done through automation, analytics, accelerators, third-party tools, or even in-house developments. Take note if they use the newest tools like serverless computing, zero-trust network access, AI and ML, and others.
End-to-End Capabilities
The security of the entire cloud journey and its endpoints requires a holistic approach. To mitigate multi-cloud risk, the provider should be able to leverage several security services and features to improve the security posture of the entire system.
Partner Ecosystem
A good security service knows the value of strategic relationships and deep industry experience. So, they don’t work alone. Cloud security partners make it possible to access better, more personalized solutions.
Reach and Localization
Depending on where you’re located, you have different growth and support requirements. If the security professionals you’re working with are familiar with local standards, threats, and other intricacies, it’s a huge plus. That said, it’s also important that their measures don’t limit your reach.
Make Sure the Company Is the Right Fit
How do you make sure that a prospective cloud security provider is accommodating and suitable for your business needs? For all you know, they can be a great company but not the best partner for you specifically.
Here are a few tips to avoid such an unfortunate situation:
- Don’t micromanage the security service.
- Understand the company’s limitations.
- Set clear expectations from the start.
- Establish clear and well-defined roles to prevent overlap.
- Prioritize honesty and transparency from both sides.
- Put all responsibilities in writing.
- Ask how the company handles disagreements, disappointments, and frustrations.
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If you’ve made it to this article and read it in full – congratulations, you’re on the right track! Some companies don’t make cloud security a priority, for which they pay a high price.
Now that you know the main selection criteria, reach out to providers and ask as many questions as you need!