The key to a more secure cloud could lie with increased synergized integrations, than technological solutions. Source: Shutterstock

The key to a more secure cloud could lie with increased integrations, than technological solutions. Source: Shutterstock

Is integration key to a secure cloud?

MANY businesses have either already moved to the cloud or are in the process of moving to the cloud. Migrating to the cloud allows companies to use resources more efficiently and operate in a leaner, more nimble fashion.

However, the chief concern for these enterprises irrespective of where there are in their journey to cloud migration is always the same: is it secure enough?

In reality, cloud security is no longer an issue. Security features in the public cloud today are quite evolved, and it could be argued that the protection offered is better than most on-premise systems.

But, what feeds this notion that security is a cause for concern? The cloud system never functions on its own but continuously interacts with a third party system, be it data validation services, credit verification services, or the various applications that are running on the on-premise platforms.

Moreover, a system is only as secure as the least reliable component in the entire network, irrespective of whether it is on the cloud or on-premise.

And thus, all systems have to be integrated systemically to work in tandem with each other, in order to ensure optimum security, especially in an enterprise network.

However, the system’s compatibility and synergy are not always factored in and  IT departments everywhere often look at cloud security as a stand-alone cloud-only issue, disregarding the on-premise systems.

Enterprises do not need to acquire more security solutions, but instead, integrate existing security systems into a unified stack that functions vertically across all platforms – both cloud and on-premise.

Fortunately, there are solutions currently in the market that can help businesses achieve the integration of cloud-based identity management systems with traditional role-based security on the on-premise networks, sharing the threat profiles, audits, and proactive breach watch.

Here are some of the steps enterprises can take to bolster their security systems across the board;

  1. Establish a communication channel – The different security systems need a channel to communicate with each other. This could be a secure directory system or common database, but most importantly, there needs to be coordination between the different silos.
  2. Single pane of glass solutions – Businesses, instead of acquiring yet another security solution exclusively for their cloud storage, should invest in a security management and monitoring product that allows the company to control the security features on all its platform from one panel.
  3. Cross-system security testing – Security systems should be tested proactively and consistently in order to detect any vulnerability and issues before an outsider does.

These solutions may not be straightforward or easy to implement given the challenges of talent and organizational politics, but they are necessary steps to take in order to protect a company’s strategic assets in the cloud.