Why Is The Cloud More Secure Than On-Prem?

In recent years, the shift to cloud computing has accelerated as businesses of all sizes seek cost-effective, scalable, and secure solutions for managing their data. One of the key debates in this transition has been the security of cloud storage versus traditional on-premises infrastructure. While many still hold onto the belief that keeping data on-prem offers more control and security, the reality is that cloud-based data storage offers superior protection in many ways.

In this blog, we’ll explore why cloud hosting and cloud server environments are often more secure than their on-premises counterparts, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

1. Dedicated Security Teams

One of the primary advantages of using cloud storage is that leading cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, have large, dedicated teams of cybersecurity professionals constantly working to protect their infrastructure. These cloud data storage providers invest heavily in security technologies, research, and personnel to monitor for emerging threats, mitigate risks, and ensure their platforms remain secure.

In contrast, small to medium-sized businesses with on-premises servers often lack the resources or expertise to maintain the same level of security. It’s unlikely that an in-house IT team could match the 24/7 monitoring and sophisticated defense mechanisms employed by top cloud hosting providers. For this reason, moving to the cloud allows businesses to tap into cutting-edge security resources that would otherwise be too expensive or complex to maintain.

2. Encryption and Data Protection

Data stored in the cloud is typically encrypted both at rest and in transit, meaning that whether it’s being stored or transmitted, it’s heavily protected against unauthorised access. Cloud server providers use advanced encryption algorithms to ensure that your data is secure from the moment it's uploaded until it is accessed by authorised users.

When data is stored on-prem, encryption is often not implemented by default, leaving businesses at risk of data breaches. Setting up encryption for on-prem data storage can be both time-consuming and technically challenging for SMBs. Cloud providers offer encryption as a standard feature, making it easy for businesses to protect their sensitive data without needing to hire additional staff or purchase expensive encryption tools.

3. Automatic Software Updates and Patch Management

Another critical reason why cloud-based data storage is more secure than on-prem is the way cloud providers handle software updates and patches. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorised access to networks and systems. With on-prem infrastructure, businesses are responsible for manually updating and patching their servers, which can sometimes lead to delays or oversight, creating potential security risks.

In the cloud, software updates and patches are typically applied automatically by the provider. This ensures that businesses are always using the latest, most secure versions of the software and operating systems, reducing the chances of a cyberattack. This automatic patch management makes cloud hosting a hassle-free solution for businesses, allowing them to stay secure without constant monitoring.

4. Redundancy and Disaster Recovery

Cloud data storage systems are designed with built-in redundancy, meaning that your data is stored in multiple locations. This ensures that even if one server or data center experiences an outage or disaster, your data remains safe and accessible.

In contrast, on-premises storage solutions are often vulnerable to hardware failures, natural disasters, or human error. Without a robust disaster recovery plan, businesses can experience significant downtime and data loss. The cheapest cloud storage providers often include built-in redundancy and disaster recovery features, offering a level of protection that most SMBs simply cannot achieve with an on-prem system.

5. Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness

On-prem infrastructure requires significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and IT personnel to manage and secure the environment. However, cloud server solutions allow businesses to scale their resources up or down based on demand, paying only for what they use.

This flexibility makes cloud-based data storage a more affordable and secure option for SMBs. The cheapest cloud storage plans still provide a higher level of security than what many businesses can afford with on-prem systems. As your business grows, you can easily add more storage or security features, ensuring that your data remains protected without breaking the bank.

While it’s understandable that some businesses may feel more comfortable with the physical presence and control of on-prem infrastructure, the advantages of cloud hosting and cloud server environments are hard to ignore. The cloud-based data storage model offers robust security features, including encryption, automatic updates, redundancy, and dedicated security teams that are difficult for SMBs to replicate in an on-prem environment.

Moreover, the cheapest cloud storage options still provide a level of security that outperforms most on-prem solutions, making it a more cost-effective and scalable choice for businesses. By leveraging the power of the cloud, businesses can ensure their data is protected from threats, avoid costly downtime, and maintain the flexibility to grow securely.