Three main factors directly contribute to the rise of the topic "how to implement cloud security" as one of the technology trends for the coming years.
The first is associated with the systematization of data protection regulatory frameworks, such as LGPD in Brazil and GDPR in the European Union; the second refers to the large-scale implementation of cloud solutions by industries and the market; finally, there is the increasing number of cybercrimes and their relentless sophistication.
According to the latest studies from Check Point Research (CPR), the Threat Intelligence division of Check Point Software, for example, the third quarter of 2024 saw a global increase in cyberattacks, both in volume and in the intensification of application models and tactics.
According to the organization, during this period, the weekly average of cyberattacks per organization worldwide reached a record of 1,876 cases. In practice, this represents a 75% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and a 15% rise compared to the previous quarter.
Given this alarming scenario, cloud security becomes an essential pillar for the protection of business data and resources— a situation further intensified by technological evolution, marked by the multiplication of connected devices and the increasing integration between online and offline environments.
Thus, driven by these factors, companies began addressing the need to structure and plan cloud security strategies, recognizing that not only are organizational data at risk, but also that of customers, partners, and employees are constantly vulnerable.
Although cloud computing represents a significant advancement for business modernization and scalability, operating securely requires well-planned measures.
In other words, it's not just about meeting regulatory requirements, but ensuring operational continuity, strengthening customer trust, and maintaining market competitiveness.
Not sure how to do this? This guide will help you! Here's what you'll find:
- What defines a secure cloud?
- What’s the difference between data protection, information security, and privacy?
- Why are business data more secure in the cloud?
- What are the key market regulations?
- 4 Tips for implementing cloud security in your business
Happy reading!
What Defines a Secure Cloud
A secure cloud is essentially defined by a set of technologies, practices, and management and privacy policies responsible for ensuring the protection of business data (both internal and external), the integrity of operations, and compliance with regulatory standards.
In other words, it is a complex process that involves the implementation of specific tools, such as encryption, firewalls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), as well as intrusion detection systems and an incident response plan.
Additionally, it is crucial to work with cloud solution providers that are transparent and have internationally recognized security certifications.
In this regard, ISO 27001, for example, is a standard that outlines a series of best practices companies should follow to ensure that their cloud management systems are genuinely secure.
Check out some key features of a secure cloud:
| Features | Description |
| Data Encryption | Ensures that information is converted into codes, preventing unauthorized access. |
| Advanced Firewall | Protects the environment from unauthorized access and malicious attacks by monitoring network traffic. |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Requires multiple verification steps to access the system, enhancing security. |
| Intrusion Detection Systems | Identifies and responds quickly to suspicious activities or intrusion attempts. |
| Regular and Secure Backups | Creates copies of data, enabling recovery in the event of loss or attack. |
| Security Certifications | Standards like ISO 27001 ensure that the provider follows robust security management practices. |
| Incident Response Plan | Defines quick and effective actions to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks or system failures. |
The elements listed above form the foundation of an effective cloud security strategy, which is essential for ensuring the success of a data protection strategy and the security of the network infrastructure in a connected corporate environment.
What’s the Difference Between Data Protection, Information Security, and Privacy?
An important step in understanding how to implement cloud security solutions is to recognize the differences between three key topics that underpin this discussion: privacy, data protection, and information security.
When properly addressed, all three aspects represent a guide to effective corporate governance and compliance. Here’s an explanation of each concept:
1) Privacy:
Privacy refers to an individual's or user's right to control their personal information and make decisions about it. The individual should be able to choose how, when, and where their information will be accessed and shared.
It is a concept directly connected to data protection, although it has exclusive aspects, such as:
- User control over information
- Confidentiality of data and the assurance that personal assets will not be accessed without authorization
- Anonymity and confidentiality
2) Data Protection
When we talk about data protection or data privacy, it refers to a subset of "privacy." However, the focus here is on the protection of information from identifiable individuals (Personally Identifiable Information or PII).
This topic is guided by specific regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) in Brazil.
Key aspects of data protection can be highlighted as follows:
- Ensure informed consent, whereby the data subject (user) is aware of how, where, and when their data will be used.
- Data minimization, meaning only collecting what is essential for the intended purpose.
- Transparency in the process of collecting, storing, and deleting data.
- Data security, with the implementation of technical and administrative measures to protect these resources from unauthorized access.
3) Information Security
Finally, Information Security encompasses the protection of general data, whether personal (from employees, partners, or clients) or corporate data, against threats and cybercrimes.
Its goal is to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information through the implementation of measures and practices that guarantee data is accessed only by authorized individuals, and that these assets are protected in case of loss or changes in their state.
Thus, it directly involves comprehensive risk management, with an incident response plan, security audits, strategies to minimize threats and their impact.
Information security is built on three structural pillars:
- Confidentiality, which ensures that access is limited to authorized individuals. This is achieved through encryption, access control, and authentication.
- Integrity, which ensures that information is not altered or corrupted without authorization, whether accidentally or intentionally.
- Availability, which certifies that data and systems will be accessible when needed (to authorized users). This pillar manages protection against denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, disaster recovery plans, system redundancy, and other resources.
Why Are Business Data Safer in the Cloud?
After understanding the differences between the three foundations of a secure cloud, you might be wondering what makes cloud computing the best alternative for businesses looking to protect their assets, right?
In general, the cloud offers consistent advantages in terms of security, especially due to the specialization and scale of third-party service providers.
These cloud computing solution specialists, like Prime DB (partnered with Oracle), have advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and teams dedicated exclusively to developing data protection strategies.
For this reason, by investing in the cloud, businesses protect their data from physical incidents that can affect local hardware, which often stores critical information for the operation of the business. They also safeguard the company’s information and operations, help avoid possible sanctions from regulatory authorities, and mitigate misuse of the network or malicious cyberattacks.
Furthermore, by opting for a cloud-focused strategy, businesses encourage a growing culture of innovation among their employees.
Benefits of Migrating Business Data to the Cloud (in terms of security)
- Constant software updates and security patches.
- Continuous monitoring and automation to identify and neutralize threats in real time.
- Data redundancy, which ensures quick recovery in case of failures or attacks.
- Compliance with regulatory standards, which reduces the risks of legal and financial sanctions.
Key Market Regulations
Check out the key regulations related to data security and protection:
- General Data Protection Law (LGPD) - Brazil: Regulates the use of personal data in Brazil, ensuring rights such as transparency and consent of the data subject.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - European Union: Defines strict criteria for the collection, storage, and processing of personal data.
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) - United States (California): A U.S. regulation focused on the privacy of consumer data.
- Updated Principles on Privacy and Personal Data Protection - OECD: Issued by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), these updated principles promote global guidelines for the protection of personal data in a digital environment.
- ISO 27001: An international standard that specifies the requirements for an effective information security management system.
Complying with the key regulations is one of the pillars for ensuring cloud security. In addition to protecting data, it also ensures the organization's credibility with customers, partners, and regulatory authorities.
4 Tips for Implementing Cloud Security Solutions in Your Business
As we’ve already discussed, adopting a robust cloud security strategy is one of the essential measures for the long-term success of a business.
Only with a well-structured plan and projects in this regard is it possible to protect data and ensure business continuity.
However, for the process to be effective, it must be carried out through solutions that prioritize security.
Here’s how you can do this in 4 basic steps:
1) Assess and Understand the Impact of Data on Your Operation
The most basic tip for implementing cloud security solutions is mapping out the data, resources, and assets that move through the company’s systems.
Identifying the risks associated with the unavailability or compromise of this information is crucial for any security project.
Asking questions such as what are the critical business data and what are the biggest risks of compromising them for the organization can be a good tactic to begin this tip.
Just like inventory checks, this step may require more effort and take longer, but it pays off by optimizing all subsequent steps. This is because conducting the assessment is essential for structuring any cloud security strategy.
2) Choose Cloud Solutions with Integrated Security
To implement cloud security solutions, it is essential to invest in cloud solutions that are transparent and ensure advanced protection of digital resources.
The provider brands should have a network of technologies driven by encryption, multifactor authentication (MFA), automated backup plans that are periodically analyzed, among other features.
Therefore, before purchasing any of these tools, assess whether the company offering them aligns with international certifications, such as ISO 27001, and is in compliance with regulatory standards.
3) Raise Awareness and Train Your Team
Employee training is one of the critical points in the cloud security process.
In many cases, a company’s network is compromised due to improper or inadequate use, mainly caused by workers' lack of knowledge.
Therefore, one of the best ways to implement cloud security is to provide training so that employees can recognize threats, strange communications, and adopt best practices for cloud regulation, such as using strong passwords and not opening suspicious links.
Today, attacks like phishing and ransomware continuously exploit human vulnerabilities. For this reason, companies should prioritize overcoming this challenge through training and communication.
4) Adopt a Global Security Standard, such as ISO 27001
Global standards like ISO 27001 help companies structure an effective governance and compliance project.
Since its implementation requires time, resources, and expertise, consider adopting tools and solutions that are already aligned with the principles of the certification—such as Prime DB solutions.
How Prime DB Transforms Cloud Security into Your Competitive Advantage
In addition to offering technology, Prime DB is committed to providing peace of mind to its clients, allowing businesses to focus on what truly matters: scalability of operations.
As a partner of Oracle, one of the global leaders in database solutions and cloud infrastructure, Prime DB combines the expertise of an industry giant with a personalized approach tailored to your business model.
Through Prime DB solutions, you gain access to various benefits, such as:
- Robust and scalable infrastructure.
- Advanced security technologies.
- Guaranteed compliance.
- Specialized technical support.
In practice, Prime DB also ensures the security of your organization's data, allowing you to safeguard the growth of your business.
