Network Security. The Quality of Protection and Controls to Manage your Servers.

There was once a time when the safest place to keep important company data was in a server in the basement. Those days are long gone.

With the advent of new technologies, the threat of natural disasters, and the worry over employee mishaps, securing your data on-site and on your own has its risks. On top of that, company data has become one of the most important assets in a company’s competitive portfolio. Companies need a viable place to handle data security because it’s so instrumental in the business’ success. Location is now less important – quality of protection and the controls used to manage the data are very important. That’s why many businesses are looking to the cloud.

Goodbye Closeness, Hello Cloud

Why has the cloud become an attractive option for data storage? The cloud offers reliability and scalability like no other data storage system. Multiple connected servers in various locations means your data will remain active and accessible around the clock, even when a hurricane strikes your headquarters. The cloud can also grow as rapidly as your business does without any delay, so now you don’t have to worry about your employee misplacing that thumb drive full of crucial quarterly results.

Some companies still believe that the cloud is not entirely secure, since they have little visibility into the cloud’s virtual environment and there is no physical server within eyesight. These concerns are certainly understandable, however today’s cloud hosting companies have added resources, such as dedicated experts and security, and rules, such as SSAE16 Type II Certification standards, to mitigate any perceived risks.

Dedicated Experts

Cloud hosting data centers are not simply warehouses stuffed with servers. They operate like traditional offices with real people at the reigns. There are executive officers, sales staff, human resources and, most importantly for clients, dedicated IT professionals who are experts in the field of data security and protection.

The reputation of cloud hosting companies relies on their success with data security and client satisfaction. By working with the cloud, you are working with a company whose staff will go out of their way to make sure your data is secure as possible. They are trained to thwart cyber attacks, detect problems, and test system controls. They are also your partner in business, trained to work in conjunction with you to find efficiencies and identify solutions for better storage and access. By using the cloud, you are inherently assigning a respected and knowledgeable security team to watch over your most important information twenty-four hours a day.

Strict Controls

Cloud hosting companies are authorities in security and employ strict sets of requirements, procedures, and processes. They set up firewalls, password protection, virus detection software and other security features that ensure potential attackers are kept at bay. As a client, you can often customize the level of security and accessibility to meet business needs and alleviate concerns.

Since cloud hosting companies specialize in the subject of security, they are up to date with the latest technological advancements in the field. Even though the state of technology rapidly changes and flawless protection is impossible, they do guarantee the highest level of protection in the current market. In conjunction with a dedicated team of IT professionals, this makes the cloud a very secure place to store data.

Physical Security

Security also goes beyond the virtual realm of the cloud. Data centers, and the physical servers within them, are safeguarded too. These locations are protected by heavy security controls, such as guards, code-access doors, and other technology.

With so many safeguards, both virtual and physical, cloud hosting companies can comfortably say they put security as a priority. This specialization in security is one more reason as to why cloud hosting companies are growing in popularity.

SSAE16 Type II Certification

Many cloud providers strive for security excellence by attaining SSAE16 Type II Certification. It is an internationally recognized auditing standard that shows a data center has implemented comprehensive and reliable controls for information security and hosting. To earn the certification, a data center must subject itself to auditors who test company controls to confirm their authenticity and strength. Identifying cloud hosting companies with this type of certification is crucial to identifying a true safe haven for your data.

Steadfast Networks is an SSAE16-certified Security Operations Center and was one of the first in the USA to achieve such a well-regarded status. Our managed firewall services and are exceptional and our security/compliance consulting services are designed with the customer in mind so we can find the right security solution for you. Security is less about location and more about the quality of protection you receive and for that, Steadfast is always there.