Cloud Security – Are Your Files Safe?
The days of saving all your files, data, and software on your computer’s hard drive are over. More businesses are moving to the cloud because files are always accessible, you can scale up or down depending on how much space or storage you need, and you only pay for what you need. But, when it comes to cloud security clients always wonder, “are my files really safe in the cloud?”
The answer isn’t simple, but by knowing what to look for, you can rest easy knowing that your data is safe. The first thing you need to do is make sure you’re working with a reputable cloud service provider who will be monitoring your files properly and storing them in a secure place with additional backup.

Cloud Security
Cloud data center
Low infrastructure costs
Scalable
Pay for what you use
Traditional Security
In-house data center
Higher equipment costs
Not easily scalable
Pay whether you use it or not
Benefits of Cloud Security
Flexibility: A cloud security solution allows you to scale up or down, depending on where your business is headed. This means you can avoid server crashes during high traffic periods or dial it down when things are running a little lighter.
Physical Security: Reputable cloud service providers utilize cloud-based storage solutions with much stronger physical security controls that many small or medium sized operations could not provide on their own.
Less Chance for Human Error: Let’s face it, people make mistakes. When files are stored in the cloud you can still access them, even if a laptop gets lost, files become corrupt, or someone forgets to back up.
Accessible: Files, software, and data are accessible on the cloud anytime, from anywhere.
Reduce Costs: You only pay for what you use, and there are fewer equipment costs because the need for physical servers and hardware is reduced.
If the security of your data is what’s been holding you back from migrating to the cloud, it might be time to rethink things. Understandably, there are concerns about reliable access, data back up, the physical location of files and backups, and encryption, among other things. Depending on the type of data being stored, there are certifications that may be required to ensure certain practices are in place. All of these issues can be addressed when you choose a reputable cloud services provider. Our cloud services team can talk to you about private clouds versus hybrid clouds (where clients have more control), managed service level agreements, and security certifications.
In the end, it’s important to ask questions to verify your data will be handled properly, backed up adequately, and always there when you need it.
IT Resource is a cloud service provider in the Grand Rapids area. We offer cloud security services to clients throughout west Michigan – from Kalamazoo to Traverse City, and throughout the midwest, including Chicago and Milwaukee.