Closing the Gap: Building Confidence in Cloud Security Adoption
Cloud Technology Trends: Focusing on Functionality Over Features
The newfound freedom enabled by cloud technology has brought opportunities and data-driven solutions to the security market, offering clients an array of additional benefits.
The 7 Latest Cloud Security Trends and Their Benefits Include:
- Greater system scalability and integration possibilities
- Automatic software and firmware updates
- Access to sophisticated data analytics featuring Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Remote repair, system health diagnostics, and preventative maintenance
- Simplified system management via mobile apps
- Flexible, subscription-based payment models
- Moving from CapEx to OpEx
Typically, system components such as cameras, sensors, and access readers offer similar attributes across the board. As more clients consider the benefits of cloud-based solutions, the primary focus has now switched from evaluating individual manufacturers and product features to the overall functionality offered by a solution hosted in the Cloud. This cloud computing trend, plus the option to pay for these solutions on a monthly subscription basis, offers organizations a cost-effective alternative to initial capital expenditure.
Unleashing the Power of Cloud Computing Data to Unlock Potential
For decades, data storage and processing power have been the biggest barriers to innovation within the security industry. Conventional on-premises solutions restricted end users to how much security data could be handled by the hardware and servers on-site, limiting the storage of video surveillance footage and access control credentials. Today, the evolution of data cloud storage and infrastructure has unlocked a world of opportunity across the security value chain, freeing product manufacturers, software developers, and end users from the data processing limits that previously prevented them from harnessing the full potential of the technology.
“Cloud solutions offer peace of mind to users. Maintenance of servers and software upgrades are no longer day-to-day tasks for the end user. They can focus on their own jobs and still use their systems, uninterrupted.”
Serdar Ince
VP Global Technology Innovation, Securitas Technology
Considering and Countering Cybersecurity Threats
While the appetite for cloud technology continues to grow, businesses remain cautious about managing their security systems and data within the digital space. Our cloud security study [1] found cybersecurity concern is a primary reason why companies are holding back on switching to cloud solutions, with equipment costs and lack of knowledge as other leading factors.
As our world becomes more connected, top cyber security threats such as ransomware attacks and data breaches will always be a valid concern for businesses. This makes the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy just as important as implementing a robust physical security program. In an interesting contrast, businesses that have already migrated to the Cloud (or are intending to do so) specify the need to increase cybersecurity protection as their main motivation for investing in cloud solutions. With more and more organizations making the jump to cloud-hosted security, those with reservations must weigh up the risks versus rewards of following in their footsteps.
For organizations that understandably feel apprehensive about migrating their entire security program to the Cloud, there is a reassuring option available to help bridge the gap between established on-premises security deployments and fully transitioned ‘true cloud’ solutions. These come in the form of ‘hybrid cloud’ models, whereby data is primarily stored within on-site equipment, but with an option to send this data to software hosted in the Cloud. While migration to a true cloud solution can be a lengthy process (as stated by members of our Client Advisory Board who are currently transitioning to true cloud solutions via hybrid models), organizations can use this time to familiarize themselves with the benefits of cloud technology and the advanced functionality on offer.
Embracing Cloud Security as the New Normal
It is clear that cloud-based security will soon become the standard approach to security system setup and data management. While there is still a way to go before this movement is universally adopted, confidence in the Cloud is building among the business community – thanks to the continued education of the market, development of the technology, and the regulations governing the cloud security landscape.
Organizations must now step up their preparations for a digital future, where the state of cloud security and its growing benefits will overshadow traditional technology configurations for decades to come.
References:
[1) Securitas Technology 2025 Global Technology Outlook Report
