How Cloud Technology Enables Proactive Security for Businesses

Today, it is essential for businesses to be flexible in navigating shifting business climates. Versatility is required in all areas of a business, including security, to achieve desired growth. Adopting a flexible cloud-based security system that can function with the same agility of a growing business can facilitate seamless processes while empowering businesses to take a proactive approach to safeguarding their assets. Here are four ways cloud technology can impact the security of a business:

1) Bringing physical and cyber security together

With the swift adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), the line between physical and cyber security is increasingly blurred due to networks and physical systems being more interconnected. Combining physical and cyber security in the cloud means implementing measures that proactively protect each system simultaneously.

Seamless integrations allow separate components to function as one interconnected system. Open architecture can more easily connect with other hardware, software, apps, and third-party platforms, making cloud-native tools essential for building fully integrated tech stacks. Integrating cybersecurity with access control allows quick incident detection for faster, more appropriate responses.

For example, look at the benefits of integrated cybersecurity and cloud-based access control. When a security breach occurs, such as irregular network activity taking place after hours, an AI-powered cybersecurity tool can automatically trigger a notification system that enables operators to respond accordingly. In instances where hacking attempts could endanger staff or put confidential information at risk, a converged security system allows teams to quickly activate a system lockdown and prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the facility.

2) Improving visibility

Merging physical systems, such as access control and video security, in the cloud provides more reliability. By adding a visual element to every access event, operators gain more visibility into activity in a building, can quickly detect abnormal activities, and mitigate damages before they occur. Additionally, the machine-learning technology in cloud video management and access control software provides more detailed insights into irregular patterns.

Adding cybersecurity elements to access control and video security also enables operators to quickly identify perpetrators of a security breach, even while the event is occurring. For example, when an incorrect password to a network is entered multiple times in a facility, an integrated cybersecurity, video, and access control system is more effective in narrowing down who is attempting the breach using AI analytics. This allows teams to potentially stop an incident in its tracks instead of waiting for an audit after the damage has been done.

3) Staying ahead of vulnerabilities

Proactive security technology works to prevent incidents before they occur – and that requires having cybersecurity integrated with physical security, too.

Cloud technology offers strengthened security with automatic over-the-air software upgrades to keep all systems protected from breaches and vulnerabilities as soon as they are available. Many legacy providers, especially with physical systems, require in-person updates for software and firmware. Even with the best cybersecurity tools integrated, an outdated access or video system leaves your business vulnerable.

4) Streamlining management

Cloud technology also offers greater flexibility to manage any number of users, locations, and systems from any web-enabled device. With remote management in the cloud, operators can observe security from anywhere in the world and at any time without being tied to a physical workstation or having to connect to a VPN.

The flexibility to check the system 24/7 means that businesses have better visibility on security and enables operators to respond to potential issues. With smart alerts and rich-data logs, teams are equipped to respond to potentially malicious activity, like doors to restricted spaces being opened or the network being accessed after hours, quickly and efficiently. This creates a consistent security performance and gives businesses a broader view of security across their entire operation.

Key takeaways

The flexibility of cloud security enables organizations to be more efficient and proactive in their security efforts. In addition to streamlining processes and management, leveraging open API and machine-learning capabilities allows organizations to build customized cloud security solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Combined, these components work together to smooth operations, help operators focus on the most imperative tasks, and take a proactive approach to security. Having a more holistic view of security across all access points, both physical and on the network, reduces errors, as security teams are able to detect an irregularity before it snowballs into a bigger security breach that affects other areas of an organization. 

Samy Kamkar leads research and development at Motorola Solutions. He was previously the Chief Security Officer and co-founder at Openpath access control before it was acquired by Motorola Solutions.

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