Cloud-Based Threat Intelligence and Monitoring
As more business migrate to the cloud for their daily operations, there’s an increased need for cybersecurity in the cloud. Although we tend to think of the cloud as a more secure option, the reality is that each company operates its own small slice of the cloud. If the company doesn’t take the right steps to protect its cloud data storage, it can fall prey to cyber-attacks. Cloud-based threat intelligence and monitoring tools can secure your cloud systems.
New Cybersecurity Solutions for a New Work Environment
As of 2023, more than 90% of businesses used some form of cloud-based technology in their operations. In addition, much of the data stored in the cloud is considered sensitive. Sensitive data includes clients’ personal information and internal business dealings such as financial reports or intellectual property. Although it’s extremely convenient to have your data in the cloud, it’s not necessarily more secure.
Cloud systems like AWS or Microsoft Azure don’t automatically guarantee data protection. Even though there’s virtually no risk of physical data theft since data is distributed across many data centers, a criminal that gets access to your cloud system could make off with all your data. Fortunately, there are new cloud-based cybersecurity solutions that can monitor your cloud data storage and protect your valuable data. How do these tools work?
Specialized AI Algorithms Secure Your Cloud Data Storage
Cloud-based cybersecurity tools use AI algorithms to protect your data. These algorithms have been trained to identify patterns of behavior that correspond to cyberattacks. For example, during a data breach, hackers typically try to access a huge number of files, much more than any one person would need for their usual work. This sudden spike in file activity can be detected by AI and addressed instantly.
Once suspicious activity is detected, you can configure the software’s response. If it suspects a data breach is underway, it could immediately cut the offending user off from the company’s cloud storage. Likewise, you can configure your software to send notifications to IT personnel, whether remote or on site.
Cloud-Based Security Software Is Always Ready
One of the advantages of cloud-based security software is that it is always on and always working. Locally installed security programs like those that come bundled with new computers often require manual updates to be effective. They also run scans periodically instead of constantly. Cloud-based programs sidestep these issues. With cloud computing, your cloud-based security system will remain engaged at all times. It can even update itself.
Since cloud-based cybersecurity tools can act without human input when configured accordingly, they can protect you better during off hours. Ransomware attacks, for instance, are most likely to happen after working hours or over the weekend when the attack is less likely to be detected. With 24/7 cloud monitoring tools, you won’t have to worry about your data during an extended break.
Cloud Computing Makes Local Devices More Secure
Locally installed cybersecurity applications are resource intensive. You’ve likely found your computer running slow at some point only to find that it was in the middle of a security scan. These scans can interrupt productivity to the point where users often cancel scans in progress so they can continue working normally, which makes their devices insecure. Furthermore, security settings may be different on each device or operating system, leading to potential gaps in your defenses.
Similarly, running cybersecurity software on a local company server in the office means using valuable computing resources that could be better spent elsewhere. Offloading the computing power required to the cloud means that individual devices won’t need additional security software, so your devices will run more smoothly and avoid interrupting your team.
What Cybersecurity Incidents Can Cloud-Based Tools Prevent?
Cloud-based cybersecurity can prevent a variety of attacks from affecting your company. Nevertheless, we always recommend multiple layers of protection. Automated tools can significantly mitigate cyber risks, but there are still other ways that your company could fall victim to an attack. Training your associates with a security awareness program can further boost your security. Similarly, performing regular cybersecurity drills will keep your team ready for any scenario.
Still, cloud-based cybersecurity software will be your first line of defense. It can provide significant protection from several kinds of attacks, including DDoS attacks, phishing, malware, and more.
DDoS Attacks
Distributed Denial of Service attacks, or DDoS attacks, bombard your network with pings and connection requests with the goal of overwhelming your defenses and potentially allowing an attacker to infiltrate your system. Most DDoS attacks target websites, though an increasing number are targeting cloud-based systems that companies rely on to deliver services to clients.
Cloud-based cybersecurity tools defend against DDoS attacks by detecting the unusually high levels of activity and cutting off the IP addresses that assault the system. This response can shorten the duration of an attack and prevent it from overwhelming system resources.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks almost always use seemingly authentic emails to deceive individuals into offering up their username and password. Cybersecurity tools can be added to your company’s email servers to prevent these emails from reaching your team members, greatly reducing the odds of a phishing attack.
If someone does fall victim to a phishing email and their login credentials are used by an attacker, the aforementioned AI algorithms can detect the unusual login and stop an attacker from proceeding.
Data Breaches
A data breach is among the worst cybersecurity situations a company can face. A massive data breach can lead to lawsuits and even fines from regulators in certain areas. Cloud-based security software can prevent data breaches by monitoring file activity within your cloud data storage. If a large number of files are suddenly accessed, it could be the start of a data breach. Your system can automatically halt access in these scenarios and report the incident to your team.
Contact Edafio to learn more about cloud-based cybersecurity tools and to discuss which programs can provide the best protection for your company.
