Businesses prefer storing data in the cloud, but plan to invest in additional security precautions, according to the second report in Clutch’s Annual Cloud Computing Survey.
The survey includes responses from nearly 300 IT professionals at businesses across the United States that use cloud computing. Nearly 70 percent of businesses in the cloud prefer storing data in the cloud instead of on a legacy system, and these businesses are willing to invest heavily in keeping their cloud’s data secure.
More than half of companies surveyed spend more than $100,000 annually on additional cloud-security features.
Nearly seven in 10 U.S. businesses using a cloud computing service plan to increase their spending on the technology this year.
Riley Panko, Clutch’s content developer and marketer, tells Channel Partners the findings show a trend that is “perhaps paradoxical at first glance — businesses strongly prefer the cloud, but are also choosing to invest heavily in additional security features.”
“However, this just displays the multi-faceted nature of the cloud,” she said. “In many ways, it can be far more powerful and secure than a business’ own legacy system. However, there are elements that require extra focus when using the cloud — such as application-level security.”
One reason for the high investment in cloud security is companies’ greater awareness of the security risks that are out of their cloud provider’s control, according to industry experts. When it comes to application-level security, including user access, password sharing and other individual interactions, the company and its employees shoulder the responsibility.
In another finding, nearly one in four businesses in the cloud indicate that they use Internet of Things (IoT) services. However, the quality of security for IoT varies.
“We were certainly surprised to see so many businesses using IoT services,” Panko said. “This shows the importance of improving IoT security, which is often overlooked. Since many IoT devices take the form of everyday objects, they are often not considered as a prominent cybersecurity risk.”
Companies can protect themselves from security threats and prevent issues by following both mandatory and voluntary security guidelines, and implementing additional security features, such as extra encryption, according to Clutch.
“One surprising jump is that last year, 39 percent of enterprises reported following Cloud Security Alliance regulations,” Panko said. “Our survey this year showed 65 percent of all businesses following CSA regulations. While this may just mean that smaller businesses follow CSA regulations in greater numbers, it could also signify a jump in CSA’s popularity.”
.@Gartner_inc latest #WAN Edge Magic Quadrant is out, and we talked to @CloudGenix about its position. dlvr.it/RKprsh
December 06 2019 @ 23:20:32 UTC
.highwirentwks taps 20-year operations veteran Charles Hughes to be their COO. #channelpeopleonthemove dlvr.it/RKpbrB
December 06 2019 @ 21:20:33 UTC
.@AppSmart_com buys yet another #masteragent, @CNSGCLOUD, following WTG and Telegration. dlvr.it/RKlSdY
December 05 2019 @ 22:38:31 UTC
.@Telarus formed a supplier partnership with @DynalinkCom. dlvr.it/RKl556
December 05 2019 @ 19:59:32 UTC
.@gocloudgirls and @AllianceOfCW open nominations for awards at #CPExpo. dlvr.it/RKl54s
December 05 2019 @ 19:59:32 UTC
.@dws2019’s Nathan Marke talk about his keynote on telecoms and the digital experience ahead of #EvolutionEU. dlvr.it/RKgyQ6
December 04 2019 @ 22:19:32 UTC
.@FrontierCorp is getting a new CEO. dlvr.it/RKgkKq
December 04 2019 @ 20:49:32 UTC
Good stuff from @Vonage on its rebrand, #UCaaS and #EvolutionEU. dlvr.it/RKgNPB
December 04 2019 @ 18:44:32 UTC