Managed cloud service providers (MSPs) offer valuable resources to businesses that desire outside support for operations such as data storage, IT support, cloud computing, and more. However, they often have to overcome the perception among their clients that their solutions are less secure than is an on-site data center.
The question “how can managed cloud service providers keep data secure?” actually has many answers. When used in combination with each other, these solutions can make MSPs more secure than on-site data centers while offering clients the advantages of the cloud. An IT services firm like Centre Technologies can help providers offer the most secure data protection systems around in order to ensure data safety and win over the confidence of their clients, as well as offer you the highest level of data security ourselves.
External and internal firewalls can work together to prohibit unauthorized access to data. Firewalls can examine any incoming data requests and evaluate them for potential threats and unauthorized requests. Requests that do not pass the inspection are refused access to the data. The right combination of external and internal firewalls can create a powerful barrier to potential breaches, improving the security of the data handled by managed cloud service providers.
Data in transit is at risk unless it is carefully protected through encryption. As a result, all service providers can enhance their data security with end-to-end encryption. This means that at every point along the way between servers, information is encrypted. The data cannot be accessed without the use of a secret key. End-to-end encryption protects the data at every point throughout its transmission in order to avoid hacking and security breaches that could spell disaster for clients of service providers who depend upon the security of their sensitive information.
Encryption while data is on the move is critical, but service providers also need to encrypt data when it is at rest. This means that data should require a key (such as a password) to access it, even when it is sitting on a secure server or on the end-user’s device. Encryption of data at rest makes it difficult for unauthorized users to access information from service providers, even if they manage to breach the server’s security.
Another level of security that managed cloud service providers can install on their data is user access. Instead of allowing any user on a server or device to access data, they can authorize only certain users to view the information. As a result, even if a user manages to get to a file, they cannot access the information on that file unless they are listed as an authorized user.
Layered security is a smart approach for providers. One way to add layers of protection to sensitive data is to encrypt specific types of information within files. For example, while a client database might be encrypted, providers may choose to also require passwords to access specific client entries within that database, or to access particularly sensitive pieces of information like social security numbers or credit card numbers. This granular encryption ensures that the most sensitive data is safe even in the event of a security breach at the level of the server or even the file itself.
Much of the data security that service providers implement will deal with existing data. The best security practices ensure that the data under the MSP’s care is preserved without tampering by unauthorized sources. However, there are times when deleting information is actually the best security measure possible.
Usually, deleting data occurs when it is no longer needed. For example, a client may request to be removed from a mailing list. Someone may pass away, or a credit card or bank account may close. Under these circumstances, service providers should have processes in place that allow for the immediate deletion of this information.
It is often considered a public act to place information on the cloud. Sharing the cloud with others can increase the security risks for service providers who are trying to keep client information safe. Sometimes, managed cloud service providers instead need to implement private cloud hosting. This means putting their clients’ information in the cloud, but on private servers that are dedicated to their clients and not shared by others.
Learn more about Cyber Security HERE
Keeping data secure is one of the primary responsibilities of managed cloud service providers. It is also very possible when these MSPs implement the right processes. Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access of information. End-to-end encryption, and the encryption of data at rest can preserve the privacy of information no matter where it is. Granular user access to information, as well as encryption of specific types of information, can add useful layers of security. Automatic deletion of unneeded information, as well as private cloud hosting, can also provide greater security for clients’ personal data.
Here at Centre Technologies, we offer a range of services to secure data. We can help you create the data security solutions you need to preserve client data, no matter how sensitive it is. We can also preserve your data in a way that ensures its integrity and security for the long term.