In 2022, it’s rare for an organization not to leverage cloud computing in some capacity. However, there are still trepidations when it comes to security, and not without good reason. Although eager to reap the benefits of cloud technology, healthcare providers and government agencies need to consider how a cloud migration might affect the sensitive data they create and collect on a daily basis.
Let’s clear the air about cloud computing and debunk four important cloud security myths.
4 cloud security myths
1. Data loss is always the result of a sophisticated attack
Most organizations assume that on the other end of a data loss incident there’s a sophisticated hacker launching a targeted attack against their system. Although such events are happening at a progressively frequent rate, 65-70% of cloud data breaches stem from a misconfiguration.
A misconfigured cloud environment is a massive vulnerability that bad actors are eager to exploit. Why? Because they don’t require complex attacks to exploit them successfully. In 2018 and 2019 alone, misconfigurations cost companies nearly $5 trillion, per DivvyCloud data. Organizations need to ensure their cloud deployments are protected against these threats with timely patches and security audits.
When you connect your applications to a platform like the Project Hosts General Support System (GSS), you gain the benefit of a cloud environment that’s already been properly vetted from top to bottom. By implementing simple security controls, you can rest assured you’re safe from sophisticated threats and misconfigurations alike.
2. ISVs are completely responsible for cloud security
Cloud applications are typically delivered through a service model, but that doesn’t mean cloud security is fully covered by the independent software vendor. Most ISVs use a shared responsibility model that requires you to cover a few basic practices:
- Managing users and their access controls.
- Configuring the operating environment.
- Controlling and maintaining how and when your cloud data is used.
- Securing everything in your environment that connects with the cloud, including user devices and owned networks.
And everything else? That’s covered by your cloud service provider (CSP). In other words, when you work with a CSP like Project Hosts you only have to manage those few basic controls — we take care of the rest.
3. Cloud compliance is easy to do on your own
Government agencies, healthcare providers, and their vendors are being held to higher data security standards, including FedRAMP, StateRAMP, and HITRUST. However, complying with these guidelines isn’t simple.
Although it varies according to each standard, the certification process can take years to complete, not to mention the fact that it can be extremely expensive. There are a lot of moving parts to keep track of, all of which can get in the way of productivity. Without the help of a partner like Project Hosts, you sacrifice time and money that can be spent fueling the growth of your organization.
4. You can ‘set and forget’ cloud security
Cloud compliance isn’t a one-time deal. Once you earn a certification, you need to continuously monitor your cloud environment to uphold and maintain compliance. This process can add a lot more time and money to your initial investment.
That’s why Project Hosts offers government agencies, healthcare providers, and ISVs a simpler approach. A cloud compliance-as-a-service platform can help you mitigate cloud security risks while satisfying your data security requirements. The result? Compliance today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter — exactly what you need to focus on driving value throughout the organization.
Learn more about Project Hosts by contacting our team today.