Cloud hosting has become an integral solution utilized by businesses around the globe, with monumental growth predicted by Cybersecurity Venture’s “2020 Data Attack Surface Report” – forecasting an astounding 100 trillion gigabytes to be stored on the cloud by 2025. Application hosting, once thought of as only a data repository, has now become an indispensable component of daily business operations. Businesses need to stop believing in the myth that the cloud is just a litany of “random servers” floating in an ethereal “cloud.” This comprehensive guide will dive into essential practices that companies should follow in order to fortify the security and efficiency of your data in a cloud hosting environment.
Choosing the Right Cloud Service Provider
Selecting the right Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is a strategic decision pivotal to embracing a cloud-based solution successfully. CSPs, like SWK, offer a variety of solutions software and IT infrastructure hosting services, ensuring businesses can securely host their data without exclusive reliance on on-site reliance. The decision-making process should be comprehensive and detail oriented, considering factors such as the geographical location of servers, the existing level of in-house IT support, results from penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, and, of course, pricing. A thoughtful selection ensures not only secure data hosting but also lays a robust foundation for your entire cloud hosting journey.
Understanding the Different “As a Service” Models
Delving into the intricacies of cloud hosting reveals an important concept that businesses should understand, bigger cloud service providers simply can’t provide total coverage of your entire IT infrastructure. However, SWK devotes the time and resources to offer our own specialized security to each of our clients. CSPs provide support in a variety of different ways, and there are many versions of what this support might look like. Here are a few kinds of fundamental cloud computing models:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS empowers organizations to replace on-premise hardware with hosted infrastructure in the cloud. This entails having fully supported, up-to-date hardware solutions that are not only scalable but also accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Benefits of IaaS:
- User control
- Scalability
- Automation
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS represents a model where access to software is provided on a subscription basis, with the software residing on external servers rather than in-house. This model, accessible through a web browser, allows users to log in using a username and password.
Benefits of SaaS:
- Ease of access
- Low personal maintenance
- Scalability
Platform as a Service (PaaS): With PaaS, vendors provide and secure the hardware and software necessary for customers’ computing operations. However, customers are responsible for managing all endpoints, user and network security, and workloads.
Benefits of PaaS:
- Flexible support for development
- Reduction in development costs
- Supports multi-tenant architectures and scalability
Application Hosting: Application hosting introduces an additional layer of exclusivity and control, providing both internal and external options. By utilizing application hosting, organizations can support various types of software applications, such as content management, web development, databases, email, and business processes. Essentially, the broadest definition of application hosting includes almost every digital asset that can be loaded from one piece of hardware into another.
Benefits of Application Hosting:
- Cost Saving
- Scalability
- Security
At first glance, application hosting might appear very similar to IaaS, but there are a few key distinctions which uniquely separate them. Here are some core examples:
Application Hosting
- Line of Business Application Hosting.
- Virtual Servers are configured to the application’s specifications for Memory, vCPU’s, and disk storage space.
- Priced on a per-user monthly fixed fee.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service
- Can be for more complex application hosting.
- Plays a larger role in digital transformation than application hosting.
- Virtual Servers are configured based on a number of factors including the function, software requirements, memory requirements, and data storage needs.
- May include a wider variety of coverage than application hosting. Domain controllers, File and print servers, Database servers, App servers, etc.
- A fixed monthly fee based on the amount of system resources configured. Not per user per month.
While CSPs can take on significant responsibilities, organizations should also contribute to the security of their cloud environments. Understanding the nuances of each model equips organizations with the knowledge to navigate and optimize their cloud hosting environment effectively.
Securing Your Cloud Hosting Environment
Within the dynamic and ever-expanding security landscape of a cloud hosting environment, robust cybersecurity practices are at the forefront. One type of cybersecurity strategy in which some CSPs offer is Security Awareness training. Security awareness training for your employees is your best defense against phishing and other threats to your mission-critical data. Human error, ignorance and negligence account for the majority of successful breaches. Fortunately, some CSPs can provide training for employes, like SWK’s own 360 Cyber Guard program. 360 Cyber Guard is specially developed Security Awareness Training that helps organizations train end users on IT Security, including:
- Network Assessment
- Security Awareness Training
- Online security awareness training and testing to all employees
- Security awareness micro-training updates on a weekly basis
- Monthly security awareness newsletters
- Scheduled Phishing campaigns to your employee base
- Access to the Employee Vulnerability Assessment (EVA) dashboard
- Dark Web Monitoring
- Compliance
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is another strategy which adds an additional layer of security when accessing your private accounts, requiring users to authenticate their identity through multiple verification methods. This significantly strengthens the integrity of your cloud hosting environment, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical data and systems. Implementing these security measures is not just a recommendation; it is a foundational step toward building an impenetrable fortress for your digital assets.
Speak With the Cloud Hosting Experts Today
As cloud hosting continues its integration into modern business practices, the importance of understanding key elements such “As a Service” models, selecting the right CSP, and cloud security cannot be overstated. SWK Technologies stands as a reliable partner, offering a team of seasoned experts and an array of resources to guide you through this intricate learning process. If you find yourself exploring or contemplating cloud hosting solutions, reach out to SWK today. With us, you can engage in a conversation with a team that not only comprehends the intricacies of cloud hosting but also possesses the expertise to tailor solutions to your unique business needs.