Cloud Security Services: A Security Measure That SMEs Should Adopt
In recent years, an increasing number of companies have been migrating their existing software and servers to cloud environments. This trend has become even more pronounced against the backdrop of the promotion of “DX” and “telework.” Security-related software is no exception, with an increasing number of vendors providing security measures such as antivirus, firewalls, and intrusion detection as cloud services, indicating a growing demand for cloud migration.
However, some business owners and managers may have questions such as, “What are cloud security services?” “How are they different from traditional security services?” and “Are there any benefits to implementing cloud security services now?”
This article will discuss why small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should adopt cloud security services and the benefits of doing so.
Table of Contents
- What are Cloud Security Services?
- Differences Between Cloud and On-Premise
- Benefits of Cloud Security Services
- Reduced Implementation Costs
- Short-Term Implementation
- Ability to Respond to Rapid Increases in Demand and Changes
- Disadvantages of Cloud Security Services
- Updates and Management Depend on the Vendor
- Low Degree of Customization
- Why SMEs Should Adopt Cloud Security Services
- Cloud Security Services: EXO Security
- Summary
1. What are Cloud Security Services?
Cloud security services are a mechanism for implementing and using security functions as a service in the cloud.
In recent years, the number of companies adopting cloud services has been increasing due to the advancement of IT technology and the expansion of telework. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ “Trends in Cloud Service Usage by Enterprises,” the proportion of companies using cloud services is 68.7%.
Among these, cloud usage for “data backup,” which is one of the security measures, accounts for 36.5%, and it is expected that the use of cloud services, including security measures, will increase further in the future.
2. Differences Between Cloud and On-Premise
Current security is broadly divided into “cloud-based” and “on-premise.” On-premise refers to an operation mode in which information systems such as servers and software are installed within facilities that the company can manage and are managed by the company itself. In the past, “on-premise” was the mainstream for security.
However, on-premise systems require a lot of time and cost to build, operate, and manage the system and infrastructure within the company. In addition, against the backdrop of DX promotion by companies, there were concerns that owning hardware and systems in a fixed manner could lead to business risks.
That’s where “cloud-based” security services come in. Cloud refers to an operation mode in which software is implemented and managed from virtual servers prepared by vendors. Since there is no need to prepare fixed servers or hardware, the effort required for implementation and management is reduced, and it is being implemented by many companies.
3. Benefits of Cloud Security Services
The benefits of cloud security services are as follows:
- Reduced Implementation Costs
- Short-Term Implementation
- Ability to Respond to Rapid Increases in Demand and Changes
3-1. Reduced Implementation Costs
With the cloud, initial investment can be reduced. Since virtual servers are used, there is no need to prepare fixed servers or hardware like on-premise systems.
Also, most cloud services adopt a pay-as-you-go system, which charges only for the amount used, so it is possible to significantly cut costs.
3-2. Short-Term Implementation
On-premise security services require the purchase of equipment such as servers and hardware, and the construction of networks, which can take several months to procure the infrastructure. With the cloud, there is no need to introduce equipment, and the infrastructure is all provided by the vendor, so it can be implemented immediately.
Short-term implementation is an advantage, but careful consideration and comparison should be made. When implementing, be sure to check the functions, costs, and what kind of security is being performed.
3-3. Ability to Respond to Rapid Increases in Demand and Changes
Laws, business rules, and security threats change year by year. In the case of on-premise systems, it is necessary to rebuild the system again in response to such changes in circumstances. System replacement on a scale of several years requires a great deal of cost and resources.
With the cloud, the vendor updates and maintains the system as appropriate, so measures can be flexibly changed to match changes in the business environment.
4. Disadvantages of Cloud Security Services
The disadvantages of cloud security services are as follows:
- Updates and Management Depend on the Vendor
- Low Degree of Customization
4-1. Updates and Management Depend on the Vendor
Even if a vulnerability is discovered, the timing of the fix depends on the vendor. For this reason, some companies may feel more secure operating and managing the system themselves. However, in reality, many vendor companies implement strict security measures.
4-2. Low Degree of Customization
Cloud security services are provided as a service. It is difficult to customize the system in detail to meet the company’s needs like on-premise systems. Some degree of customization is possible with optional settings even in the cloud.
However, “EXO Security,” a cloud security service, allows you to customize security and functions according to the user’s purpose and use.
5. Why SMEs Should Adopt Cloud Security Services
According to a survey by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), the number of cyber attacks in Japan increased 8.5 times from 2015 to 2020. (Reference: Publication of NICTER Observation Report 2020 | NICT-National Institute of Information and Communications Technology)
Today, targets such as malware infection and information leakage are also aimed at SMEs. With the promotion of remote work due to work style reforms, there are more opportunities to take computers outside the company. If security measures are not properly implemented, companies will suffer unexpected damage, such as information leakage and damage to the company’s image.
The reasons why SMEs do not implement security measures are often:
- It’s costly
- There is a shortage of security personnel
- I don’t know how to take measures
With cloud security services, it is possible to take security measures while solving the above points.
6. Cloud Security Services: EXO Security
Cloud security services can enhance security while reducing implementation and operating costs, making them an effective security measure for SMEs.
“EXO Security” can respond to various security threats and is easy to operate, so it can be implemented even by companies without a security manager.
The features are summarized below.
- Low price and easy to implement
- Security can be customized to suit the company’s style
- Simplified policy settings and very easy operation
- Anti-malware function utilizing AI and cloud analysis technology
In addition, “EXO Security” is recommended because it is equipped with functions that enhance corporate security, reduces the burden of introduction and management on administrators, and enhances security measures.
⇨ Comprehensive Endpoint Security for Corporations “EXO Security”
Summary
This time, we introduced the benefits of cloud security services and the reasons why SMEs should implement them.
Due to the promotion of telework, corporate security awareness will become stronger in the future. In such a situation, business owners and managers of companies are required to reduce costs and strengthen security, so it’s quite difficult.
Cloud security services can be said to be a security measure tool that solves such problems. Please consider cloud security services for security enhancement and cost reduction.
Antivirus Security Software “EXO Security”
Click here for EXO Security pricing
Click here for EXO Security features
Special feature page “Is your company’s PC really safe?”
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