Utilizing the cloud offers a broad range of benefits, but it also comes with its own set of risks, especially when it comes to data security. With more enterprises leaping head-first into the cloud, managed service providers (MSPs) are now faced not just with meeting their clients’ varied needs, but also ensuring that their data remains safe.
Dealing with Compliance and Encryption
Remaining in compliance with the latest industry-specific regulations and company-wide mandates is an important consideration for many enterprise customers. For MSPs, the importance of helping clients remain compliant while adhering to their individual preferences and standards cannot be overstated. In addition, MSPs must also stay one step ahead when it comes to dealing with potential threats.
Encryption is a must for data, whether it’s in transit through cloud infrastructures or at rest on virtual and hardware storage. To this end, clients may request that their MSPs set up an encryption-key management system. MSPs are tasked with fulfilling this request in a way that shields the MSP team from liability issues while simultaneously protecting clients from security risks.
Investing in Third-Party Auditing
Cyberattacks can strike at any moment, but this doesn’t mean that MSPs aren’t able to sniff out potential threat vectors and help clients secure their private information in anticipation of such attacks. Unfortunately, data protection still isn’t being treated as the priority it should be in today’s highly connected environment.
It’s up to the MSP to carry out due diligence in pinpointing and shoring up potential exposures and entry points in its customer’s cloud infrastructure. In most cases, this can be accomplished by having an experienced third-party organization conduct independent security audits on a regular basis. Information from these audits can be used to eliminate weak points in clients’ data-handling facets. The insights gained from third-party auditing can also be used to enhance a broad range of MSP services, practices, and assets.
Data Location Transparency Is Crucial
Data ownership and location are critical issues that MSPs must be prepared to address and, if necessary, take responsible action on. There are times when clients need increased control of where their data is located, and any unexpected issues that turn up could expose the MSP to increased liability.
For this reason, MSPs must be transparent about the location of their clients’ data at all times. In addition, the ability to control which countries and regions host their data should always be available to clients. Finally, MSPs must avoid gaining or retaining access to their clients’ encryption keys, as this creates trust issues and can complicate matters if that data is seized for any reason.
Although security hasn’t traditionally been in the average MSP’s purview, enterprises nevertheless expect them to develop and maintain high standards when it comes to data and infrastructure protection. Even if security threats seem few and far between, MSPs cannot afford to grow complacent, only to scramble into action in the event of an unexpected breach.
Contact eXemplify today to discuss your company’s cloud security needs with one of our Cloud Strategy Consultants.