Cloud Security vs. Legacy IT Security: Which Is More Secure?
In the world of IT, a “legacy system” is any outdated hardware or software that can no longer be upgraded, but is still being used to its limited potential. In terms of IT security, it refers to archaic security methods that existed before advanced cyberattacks became more of a considerable threat.
However, just as cyberthreats have grown more intimidating, so too have cloud security measures. It’s no longer a question of whether cloud security is superior to legacy IT systems – it’s just a discussion of why. At OC Cloud 9, we’ve identified three key ways in which cloud technology is more secure than traditional IT systems.
Cloud Security Is Multi-Layered
As technology advances, so do the capabilities of cybercriminals. For this reason, the days of simply locking on-premises computers with a door, lock, and key are over. In the days of legacy IT, both defense parameters and cybercrime were rather unsophisticated – though not anymore. Nowadays, advanced cyberthreats tend to prey on legacy IT systems with outdated security. While they’re often still used as a backup in combination with cloud storage, your data is effectively put at risk with a traditional IT infrastructure.
Cloud security thrives off of the multi-layered nature of data centers. These are rooms of servers, managed by a cloud service provider or MSP, which are monitored 24/7 to promptly identify and resolve cyberattacks before any serious damage is done. These centers are protected by a combination of physical measures, such as tall fences and surveillance cameras, as well as digital protections like passwords and authentication credentials.
Cloud Security Nixes Human Error
It turns out that most cybersecurity breaches have a common denominator: human error. According to an article by Calvin Nobles, a cybersecurity policy fellow with the University of Maryland, 95% of data breaches are the result of an internal mishap – and with legacy IT systems, such mishaps are much more expensive to protect against.
Since legacy IT systems are physical and onsite, staff and visitors can more easily access your data. They also require expensive security add-ons to physically keep unauthorized individuals from tinkering with any systems. On the other hand, cloud technology stores your data off-premises. In our case, OC Cloud 9 would store your sensitive information on a server within one of our proprietary data centers for management and protection. These data centers are highly restricted and inaccessible to unauthorized people, meaning the risk for human error is effectively zeroed out.
Legacy IT Systems Aren’t Monitored
Finally, when you work with an MSP (Managed Service Provider), your IT infrastructure is monitored 24/7 for irregularities and potential threats. This is a key responsibility for cloud vendors like OC Cloud 9, as we’re responsible for keeping your data safe and sound. Sticking with a legacy IT system makes it much more difficult to monitor your data at all times.
Besides the costs, you’d also need to partner with a specialized cybersecurity firm to step in when your legacy infrastructure faces issues. Cloud security simplifies the monitoring process by taking it off your plate, offering secure data storage, and connecting you to a dedicated IT support team – all at a fraction of the cost of local storage and security.
Your Data Is Our Priority
If you’re worried that your sensitive data will be up for grabs once it’s in the cloud, we’re here to quell that misconception. With OC Cloud 9, your data will be stored in a third-party server within one of our secure data centers, though you’ll always retain full control. Whenever you’d like to access, change, or delete your data, simply let us know. Reach out to one of our specialists to start upgrading your legacy IT system today.
Meet the OC Cloud 9 Team
OC Cloud9 and Orange County Computer, Inc. have a proven track record of satisfied clients with seamless transitions into private cloud solutions. Our beginning-to-end process ensures your business needs are met through extensive research, design, deployment, and implementation of your cloud services.
Learn more about our solutions by visiting our Learning Center, or speak with a member of our Cloud Solutions Team any time at our Orange County office by calling 949-699-6619.
