downtime or service disruptions, it can impact data accessibility and disrupt business operations. “Entrusting data to a third-party cloud service provider raises concerns regarding data security and privacy. It is important for businesses to thoroughly assess the security measures implemented by the provider and consider their specific compliance requirements. “Of course, there are cost considerations too. While cloud storage can be cost-efficient for small and medium-sized businesses, larger organisations or those with extensive data storage needs may experience higher costs over time. It is crucial to consider pricing models and evaluate the long-term costs associated with cloud storage.” John Michael, CEO, iStorage: “Cloud is an enabler of modern business and the foundation for much of what is possible today. However, what might have been deemed good enough in terms of security last year will not necessarily offer the required levels of protection at a time when cyber threats are evolving so rapidly. “A cybersecurity study found that 96% of organisations are moderately to extremely worried about cloud security, with data loss or leakage (64%), data privacy (62%) and accidental credential exposure (46%) their top three concerns. Indeed, the terms and conditions of many major cloud providers include a ‘limitations of liability’ clause which puts data-security responsibility squarely onto the shoulders of the cloud user. “All users, therefore, need to be conscious of using adequate, and in many cases, more stringent measures when storing their data in the cloud, to confidently assure wider stakeholders that it won’t be their company name making headlines.” Are there reasons why a business wouldn’t want to embrace the cloud? Michelle Stark, Sales and Marketing Director, Fasthosts: “While cloud systems do offer unparalleled versatility, some prefer the level of control you have over physical servers. Not only are you able to fully monitor access, it also makes it much easier to comply with complex laws and regulations surrounding the handling of sensitive data. Industries such as law and healthcare may choose to keep their physical
options thanks to this, though as the cloud continues to evolve we may well see this change. “There are a few other reasons that a business may opt to not embrace cloud storage options. For example a business who has recently invested heavily in physical storage and data centres may be reluctant to switch over to a system which would effectively render their investment obsolete, or the costs and security concerns involved with cloud migration may simply be too much of an issue or worry for them if they can’t afford the risk. “It could also be something as simple as the business not having a reliable enough internet connection for a move to the cloud to be viable, especially if it will increase the time it takes for employees to access data and internal systems.” Balaji Ganesan: “Certain industries have stringent regulations regarding data storage and management, and cloud storage providers may not meet specific compliance requirements. Businesses operating in heavily regulated sectors, such as healthcare or finance, may encounter challenges in ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations. “Businesses handling highly sensitive data, such as trade secrets or classified information, may also prefer to keep their data on-premises or under direct control. This allows them to maintain complete visibility and control over their data, reducing potential risks associated with storing it in the cloud. “Also, if a business heavily relies on legacy systems or has made significant investments in on-premises infrastructure, transitioning to the cloud may involve complex and costly processes. In such cases, businesses may choose to continue utilising their existing infrastructure instead of adopting cloud storage.” Sergei Serdyuk: “There are several reasons why a business may want to avoid adopting the cloud, including risk aversion, some businesses may have a risk-averse culture and prefer full control over their data by keeping it on- premises, regulations as certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, may have
Sergei Serdyuk VP of Product Management
naviko.com
Balaji Ganesan CEO
privacera.com
John Michael CEO
stringent data regulations that make storing sensitive data on the cloud challenging.
istorage-uk.com
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ucadvanced.com
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