Information technology security is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every business is different, which means you need a security solution that best aligns with your company’s goals. How do you know which solution will work best for you? Let’s find out.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NETWORK SECURITY AND CLOUD SECURITY?
Network Security
Network security is an umbrella term used to describe how you protect the usability and integrity of your company’s IT network and data. Traditional network security includes managing both hardware and software technologies. No matter how big or small, every company obtains some degree of network security solutions to protect itself from cyber threats.
Cloud Security
Cloud security (also known as cloud computing) strictly relies on software technologies to protect your company’s sensitive data, identity, and access. Cloud security delivers information technology via the internet. Cloud computing is becoming more common due to the development of new technologies and security practices.
Here are four cloud computing categories to choose from, based on the IT needs of your company:
- Public cloud services, operated by a public cloud provider — Things like software-as-a-service (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
- Private cloud services, operated by a public cloud provider — These services provide a computing environment dedicated to one customer, driven by a third party.
- Private cloud services, operated by internal staff — In-house IT staff uses a virtual environment they control
- Hybrid cloud services — In-house IT staff and an outside provider work as a team, hosting workloads and data based on optimizing factors such as cost, security, operations, and access
Cloud Security vs Cyber Security
Cloud security refers to using an outside provider to handle all your IT security services. Cybersecurity refers to keeping all your cloud computing security in-house by one person on the organization’s staff.
NETWORK SECURITY
- Network security protects your company’s and client’s data, keeping a check on unauthorized access.
- Centrally controlled by a network administrator, allowing them to provide different access levels to other users, depending on their roles within the organization. For example, a network administrator can give their Marketing personnel access to marketing files, but not to the IT documents. This allows them to access the files they need to access for their position, but not files that may manipulate security issues.
Cons
- Costly, especially if you own a small business and are hesitant about using large amounts of company funds on security solutions.
- Time-consuming and challenging to work with if you are unfamiliar with data security. This requires skilled staff who have a thorough understanding of managing security. If a network administrator is careless about the company’s IT solutions, your network may be susceptible to malicious users and prone to attacks.
CLOUD SECURITY
Pros
- Cloud environments have no additional cost on infrastructure, so there is no need to buy additional technologies or acquire space for them in your office.
- A network administrator is not needed to oversee your users; the cloud takes care of that itself. If there are vulnerabilities to your cloud infrastructure security, you will be notified immediately.
- Cloud services are easily accessible from anywhere. If you’re required to travel for work, you won’t need to save carrier space for other technology. Cloud infrastructure is reliable, providing you with higher availability of IT services.
- Loss of data creates a negative impact on your business, risking you to lose a significant amount of money and potentially your business’s credibility. Regularly backing up on the cloud can prevent this, and you won’t risk losing all your information.
Cons
- Cloud based solutions require good internet strength and bandwidth, so you can regularly update the cloud and your progress on any files/downloads. Since the cloud requires good internet, if you don’t have quality internet access, this can result in downtime.
- Technical issues may occur that can’t always be fixed internally. If you have problems with the cloud and you’re unsure of how to manage, contact your service provider’s 24/7 monitoring and support hotline.
CHOOSE A SECURITY SOLUTION THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR COMPANY GOALS
There are many benefits to migrating to the cloud, especially in a constantly evolving, technology-focused world. Migration isn’t difficult; you just need the right partner.
At ITque, we’re here to help you with every aspect of your IT. We manage the IT needs of more than 100 small and mid-sized business clients throughout California, and we want to help you manage yours next.