The Risks and Benefits of Cloud Storage

According to a survey published by the IT security specialist Symantec, the use of cloud storage solutions has seen an exponential increase in the business world. But despite slew of benefits associated with these cloud storage systems, including cheaper storage options and having a "back-up" system, this growth rate which is not without consequences for enterprises.

The Benefits of Cloud Storage

According to the survey "Avoiding the Hidden Costs of the Cloud" conducted by Symantec, among 236 small and medium sized businesses and organizations in 29 countries, 94% of the enterprises have at least discussed mitigating their projects to the cloud. The biggest draw to these cloud platforms: added speed, agility and flexibility in project management.

Cloud storage allows for better efficiency. Thanks to the internet, documents and data may be accessed on the cloud from anywhere in the world, allowing employees to work even when they're out of the office.

In addition to added efficiency, cloud storage systems facilitate better collaboration among team members. Many cloud options allow collaborators to edit files simultaneously, saving them the trouble of sending endless emails, and eliminating confusion.

The Risks Associated with Cloud Storage

When it comes to cloud storage, there are several risks that should be taken into consideration.

The first risk is the possible loss of data. Companies already making use of cloud solutions face different problems, such as "a wild and uncontrolled use these services, complex backup and restoration system, etc.," says Symantec. Several issues that increase the costs are associated with the use of hosted services. The study further indicated that, "In France, 33% of companies have lost data stored in clouds and 70% were experiencing failures while restoring data".

Another risk associated with cloud storage is a security breach. While cloud services do offer a sense of security for many businesses, files stored online are always at risk of being pirated or hacked. Ensure that any cloud option you utilize is properly encrypted and password protected.

What To Look for in Cloud Storage Options

If your company is thinking about moving to a cloud storage option, there are several variables to take into account.

Cost: Costs for cloud services can vary significantly, depending on the amount of space needed, the level of security, and the number of people who need access to the cloud.

Security: In using a cloud storage system, you are entrusting valuable company data to a third party. Take the proper steps to ensure that your vendor is trustworthy and that they have reliable security measures in place to protect your data.

Learn More

If you'd like to learn more about the study conducted by Symantec, you can access the full survey, entitled, Avoiding The Hidden Costs of The Cloud here.

Original document published on CommentcaMarcheet.