How to Fight Cloud Transformation Complexity

Cloud transformation offers a host of benefits over traditional, on-premises legacy solutions. From cost savings to work-from-anywhere capabilities to scalability and innovation, companies are able to streamline productivity and improve end-user experiences.

But cloud transformation is also leading to more complex environments, making data protection more challenging. There are several reasons why hybrid cloud is a common solution:

• Some IT and line-of-business managers conclude that certain workloads work best in a particular cloud setting or on-premises. In addition, some industries like health care and financial services require that certain information be stored on-site for data protection and privacy purposes.
• Companies are trying to avoid provider lock-in by partnering with multiple cloud providers.
• Business continuity goals are furthered by the use of varied data storage solutions. If a natural disaster strikes, the business is able to continue critical processes.

To protect against a breach or a natural disaster, it’s common for companies to employ what’s called the 3-2-1 backup rule. This principle tells businesses to keep at least three copies of their data, then store two backup copies within two different media formats and have one of them located off-site. The strategy is effective not only against fire, flooding, and disk failure but also against a virus or ransomware attack.

Business owners require a range of tools and strategies to ensure cloud transformation doesn’t compromise data protection:

Security Assessment: IT security needs a comprehensive and detailed view of touchpoints for data access as well as data generation. They need to identify who has data access, what the data is being used for and what the data contains. Identifying the risk and potential recovery plan from a cyber security breach requires knowing where the data resides, who can access it, and why they need it.

Mobility Concerns: The modern work environment requires flexibility in both where and when employees access data, but there also needs to be visibility into how those resources are used.

Compliance: Different data types require different treatment to meet compliance regulations, with both type and geography playing an important role. Businesses need to know that they aren’t inadvertently violating regulations.

Backups: Whether it’s the suggested 3-2-1 principle described above or another strategy, companies need a plan for restoring data after a natural disaster or cyber security event.

Governance: A governance policy allows a business to apply best practices for data management at every stage of its lifecycle. This prevents stagnation in both data protection and value generation from data.

Your cloud transformation is bound to be affected by data protection concerns. While removing all risk of compromise to data is impossible, there are strong mitigation strategies that allow for better protection while reaping the benefits of cloud efficiency and cost savings. Contact us at ITBroker.com to learn how to leverage cloud technology without compromising data security.