Data security in the cloud is increasingly growing in importance as businesses migrate their platforms to the cloud. During the last five years, cloud computing has grown in implementation for numerous companies, combining a virtual cloud network with their on-premises infrastructure. Benefits include improved responsiveness and scalability, along with a great variety of IT solutions that increase capabilities. Perhaps what is being overlooked is that security is as crucial in the cloud as it is on-premise.

Cloud Compliance

Cloud compliance refers to the requirements organizations and cloud providers must meet to comply with regulatory standards governing cloud usage and data privacy that are established by industry guidelines and laws. The following is a list of the best-known regulations in place.

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Gramm-Leach-Blilely Act (GLBA)
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
• Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act of 2002

Regardless of your cloud provider, your organization will be required to confirm its control and compliance regarding its use of data. Your IT security systems will need to cover all the aspects listed below.

• Access Control
• Business Continuity
• Incident Response Plan
• Management of Assets
• Security Policies
• System Development & Maintenance

Fortunately, your business can succeed in these tasks by implementing proven approaches with the help of an MSP (Managed Services Provider).

Security Aspects

The following will discuss the implementation of the following security aspects for data compliance in cloud computing environments.

Access Control – Auditing, reviewing, and controlling the access of a user based on their “need to know” is required for RBAC (role-based access controls).

Business Continuity – One important benefit of utilizing cloud infrastructure is being capable of backing up your company’s data off-premises and implementing a disaster recovery plan rapidly if a natural or manmade disaster strikes the main office, ensuring business continuity and minimizing disruption and economic losses.

Part 2 will discuss the rest of the above-mentioned security aspects involving cloud compliance.

Alpha Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis areas since 1990. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha today at (410) 295-9500.