Cloud Services: A Guide to Understanding and Securing your Data
Amidst a rapidly evolving digital world, understanding and embracing Cloud Services has become crucial for company leaders and executives. Not only for cost savings or efficiency but also for the security of company data and IT systems.
1. Definition: A Non-Technical Snapshot for Executives
Cloud Services are a suite of resources that companies can leverage over the internet instead of building and maintaining their own physical data infrastructure. Essential services could include storage, networking, servers, database management, software applications, and advanced analytics. Cloud services provide scalability, flexibility, and an effective option for disaster recovery all in a cost-efficient manner.
2. The Historical Evolution of the Cloud Services
- The concept originated in the 1960s with scientist J.C.R. Licklider, aiming to develop a system where data and applications could be accessed from anywhere in the world.
- It was in the 90s when companies like CompuServe started offering individual users small amounts of disk space to store their files and data.
- Fast Forward to 2006, when Amazon launched Elastic Compute Cloud, providing small companies with scalable infrastructure platform in the cloud. This was the advent of the modern cloud era.
3. Impactful Examples of Cloud Services
Although Cloud Services present numerous benefits, data breaches have demonstrated the importance of robust security measures. Here are three examples:
- The 2019 Capital One breach, where sensitive data of over 100 million clients was exposed due to an underlying vulnerability in their cloud service provider, Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- The Adobe Creative Cloud hack in 2013, where hackers stole the personal data of nearly 38 million customers, leading to substantial financial and reputational damages.
- The Code Spaces shutdown in 2014. The company was forced to cease operations after a devastating cyber-attack on their cloud services provider, Amazons EC2.
4. Insight: Mitigating Risks
One common way to mitigate such risks is by adopting a method known as multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more pieces of evidence, or factors, to prove their identity before accessing the companys cloud services.
5. Call to Action
As leaders, understanding these complex systems can often be challenging, but necessary. To learn more about our security assessments, strategic consulting or Fractional CISO services, and how we can help secure your Cloud Services, dont hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Your data is your companys lifeblood. Let us help you protect it.