There is a long held belief on the part of businesses that traditional IT on the premises is more secure than the cloud. Studies are proving that accessibility is taking precedence over data location.

Many IT decision makers are skeptical about security when it comes to cloud computing. But, the good news is cloud computing has been proving its value when it comes to security and reliability. And, although the argument over data security and privacy issues continues to crop up often, many are finding that cloud systems are winning hands down in terms of being more secure that in-house IT infrastructure. Why?

Control Does Not Necessarily Mean Security

Just because your infrastructure is located on the premises does not mean that control means the infrastructure is more secure. Actually, the physical location of data is not as important as accessibility. And although some may disagree, traditional enterprise computing systems are often not built with the same rigor as cloud datacenters and therefore do not meet the same security compliance standards and requirements.

Vulnerability Testing is Mandatory

In the current economy, many traditional IT systems are largely untested due to shrinking IT staff that results from limited budgets and the pressure by enterprises to reduce costs. Traditional IT systems that are not tested are also unsecured.

Without the right amount of strategies in place, a traditional IT system is riskier than a cloud infrastructure. This is because most cloud servers and systems are continually tested and monitored since the datacenters have the manpower on board to undertake this responsibility.

Controlled Access

Controlling access to servers, hard drives, workstations, and infrastructure can prove to be costly for a lot of businesses. Many businesses with limited IT budgets cut corners in critical areas and controlling access is usually one of them.

With a cloud infrastructure, access control is high on the priority list. It is also proven through certifications and compliance requirements that the datacenter must meet in order to serve business clients. Once certification is awarded, the cloud services provider is subjected to periodic audits that ensure the infrastructure is still meeting security and compliance standards.

Reduced Data Loss

When information is stored on a traditional IT system, this is a riskier method than storing the data in the cloud. Devices can fail. Security breaches can occur. Data can be lost due to human error and outdated hardware. Data can end up in the wrong hands from unauthorized access or malware infections due to outdated hardware and software. The list goes on.

Datacenters that offer cloud services deploy automated systems that update software and hardware configurations, monitor security systems, generate status reports, and accurately maintain the infrastructure. They can and do deploy rigorous security systems since they are a potential target due to the broad range of data types being stored.

Additionally, data backup systems are in place using redundancy to ensure that the data can be restored in the event a loss occurs. Most businesses do not have the IT budgets necessary to implement technology that prevents data loss, hence the reason a cloud infrastructure is more secure.

Security Policies Extend to the Cloud

Whatever security policies you have in place for your IT infrastructure will extend to the cloud. This means the customized policies you have painstakingly developed are enforced in the cloud, regardless of where the infrastructure is deployed. In addition to your security policy, the cloud datacenter has rigorous security policies in place that enhance your existing in-house policy. This makes the cloud all that much more secure.

More and more business businesses are discovering that the cloud is not the scary and unsecured place many people think it is. In fact, it is a place that is as secure as you and the cloud service provider make it and in a more affordable way.

The reality is the cloud can provide your business with more flexibility and agility than traditional IT systems could ever provide. Plus, you are improving control over your data and access to critical business applications as well.