Click to learn more about author Greg Tuohy.

We now live within the digital domain, and accessing vital information is more important than ever. Up until rather recently, most businesses tended to employ on-site data storage methods such as network servers, SSD hard drives, and direct-attached storage (DAS). However, cloud storage systems have now become commonplace.

Perhaps the most well-known benefit of cloud storage solutions is that their virtual architecture ensures that all information will remain accessible in the event of an on-site system failure. However, we tend to overlook the security advantages of cloud storage with traditional strategies. Let us examine some key takeaway points.

Technical Experts at Your Disposal

A recent survey found that 73% of all organizations felt that they were unprepared in the event of a cyberattack. As this article points out, a staggering 40% suspected that their systems had been breached. It is therefore clear that legacy in-house approaches are failing to provide adequate security solutions.

One of the main advantages of cloud-based data storage is that these services can provide targeted and customized data security solutions. Furthermore, a team of professionals is always standing by if a fault is suspected. This enables the storage platform to quickly diagnose and rectify the problem before massive amounts of data are lost or otherwise compromised. 

Restricted Digital Access

We also need to remember that one of the most profound threats to in-house data storage involves its physical nature. In other words, it is sometimes possible for unauthorized users (employees or even third parties) to gain access to sensitive information. Not only may this result in data theft, but the devices themselves could be purposely sabotaged, resulting in a massive data loss.

The same cannot be said of cloud storage solutions. The information itself could very well be stored on a server located thousands of miles away from the business in question. This makes an intentional breach much less likely. Other security measures such as biometric access devices, gated entry systems, and CCTV cameras will also help deter any would-be thieves. 

Fewer (if Any) Vulnerabilities

The number of cloud-managed services is on the rise, and for good reason. These platforms allow businesses to optimize many factors such as CRM, sales, marketing campaigns, and e-commerce concerns. In the same respect, these bundles offer a much more refined approach to security. 

This often comes with the ability to thwart what would otherwise remain in-house vulnerabilities. Some ways in which cloud servers can offer more robust storage solutions include:

• 256-bit AES encryption
• Highly advanced firewalls
• Automatic threat detection systems
• Multi-factor authentication

In-house services may not be equipped with such protocols. As a result, they can be more vulnerable to threats such as phishing, compromised passwords, and distributed denial-of-service (DdoS) attacks. 

The Notion of Data Redundancy

The “Achilles’ heel” of on-site data storage has always stemmed from its physical nature. This is even more relevant when referring to unexpected natural disasters. Should a business endure a catastrophic situation, sensitive data could very well be lost permanently. This is once again when cloud storage solutions come into play.

The virtual nature of these systems ensures that businesses can enjoy a much greater degree of redundancy. As opposed to having an IT team struggle for days or even weeks at a time to recover lost information, cloud servers provide instantaneous access to avoid potentially crippling periods of downtime. 

Doing Away with Legacy Technology

Another flaw that is often associated with in-house data storage solutions involves the use of legacy technology. Because the digital landscape is evolving at a frenetic pace, the chances are high that many of these systems are no longer relevant. What could have worked well yesterday may very well be obsolete tomorrow. Cloud solutions do not suffer from this drawback. Their architecture is updated regularly to guarantee that customers are always provided with the latest security protocols. Thus, their vital information will always remain behind closed (digital) doors.

Brand Reputation

A final and lesser-known benefit of cloud-based security is that clients are becoming more technically adept than in the past. They are aware of issues such as the growth of big data and GDPR compliance concerns. The reputation of businesses that continue to use outdated storage methods could therefore suffer as a result. Customers who are confident that their data is safe are much more likely to remain loyal over time. 

Cloud Storage: Smart Solutions for Modern Times

We can now see that there are several security advantages that cloud storage solutions have to offer. Although on-site methods may have been sufficient in the past, this is certainly no longer the case. Thankfully, there are many cloud providers associated with astounding levels of security. Any business that hopes to remain safe should therefore make this transition sooner rather than later.