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Cloud security and mobility: how safe are you in the cloud?

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4 min read

The cloud has become a staple in both consumer and business technology. It’s funny how some people don’t know what the cloud is while actually using it in their daily lives. After all, if you’re using social media sites like Facebook® and Twitter or sending email through Gmail or Yahoo Mail, you’re automatically using the cloud. Where do you think all that information is stored? Certainly not on your computer.

Same goes for businesses. A lot of the most popular business apps, like Google’s Google Workspace or Microsoft® Microsoft 365, are cloud-based. Our very own RingCentral takes pride in being the industry leader in providing cloud business communications solutions.

What is the cloud?

For context, the term “cloud” refers to the remote network or data center used to store files or host services, which are then delivered to different devices through the internet. RingCentral, for example, has multiple data centers across the US where the service is hosted.

The “cloud” refers to the remote network used to store files and host services, which are then delivered via the Internet

 

Companies that are subscribed to RingCentral are able to access and use their cloud-based phone system through internet-connected devices, like IP phones, smartphones, tablets, and desktop and laptop computers.

Cloud computing security issues and challenges

While we’re now used to the technology, it doesn’t change the fact that companies are essentially entrusting sensitive information to third-party providers. In addition, the information also travels through the public internet where it’s at risk of being intercepted.

In an article back in January, CSO from IDG enumerated the top 12 cloud security threats for 2018. It includes security risks such as data breaches and data loss as well as inadequate identity, credential, and access management.

How secure is the cloud?

While there are security risks, the cloud is actually much more secure than you think. A lot of the security issues are associated with cloud services that are what you can call less than reputable.

The cloud is actually much more secure than most local business networks

 

But if you’re dealing with the top providers in the cloud game like Microsoft, Google, and RingCentral, then you’re more or less safe (though in the field of IT security, no system is 100% secure).

As the top names in the industry, it’s their business to make their cloud system as secure as possible. After all, their reputation is at stake here.

What security information do you need your cloud solutions provider to provide?

Reputable or not, cloud security should always be a priority especially when you’re entrusting sensitive data and business processes to a third-party cloud provider.

Even if the cloud provider has a good reputation for security, it still pays to know how exactly they are keeping your data safe.

That is why you should be diligent in finding out as much as you can about the types of security measures and policies the cloud services you’re considering are implementing to make sure their systems are secure.

Ask your cloud solutions providers about:

Cloud data centers are not only secure against cyber attacks but against physical intrusions as well.

 

Aside from these, you should also ask the cloud provider about standards they’ve met and certificates they’ve acquired to give credence to their cloud security strategy and policies. RingCentral, for their part, has the following:

You also have to check if the cloud solutions provider has fraud prevention measures against risks like credentials theft or toll fraud. The system should have built-in service layer fraud protection and monitoring for possible anomalies. It would also help if the provider is continuously promoting best practices against fraud to their subscribers.

Finally, since you’re already being this diligent, verify if the information you were able to get is actually practiced by the provider. Talk to some of their existing customers to see if what they provide is just lip service or if they’re able to actually back up their talk.

 

Originally published Jul 11, 2018, updated Oct 02, 2023

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