Cloud security is on the mind of just about every network security IT professional in today’s computing environment. There are issues dealing with public cloud security and there are issues dealing with private cloud security. Naturally, from a security point of view, a company with private cloud security has a more effective and secure system than a company working with public cloud security – in some cases. It is important to understand that private cloud security presents unique concerns that may not apply to public cloud security.
1.Set-up
Private cloud security is more effective than many of the public cloud systems because it is set up within a corporate firewall. On the other hand, one of the downsides to using private cloud security is that no third-party is responsible for maintaining the network and firewall. This means only the IT professionals within the company are responsible for ensuring the system is always up and running.
Private cloud security systems can be set up within a public cloud system by employing virtualization techniques on the servers. In this case, even though the private cloud system exists in a public arena, security protocols put in place for the private cloud system render the public cloud system protected as if it were located in a secure location accessible only to the client.
2.Data Access
One of the main advantages to using private cloud security is that you control who has access to your data, including who can see your files. With public cloud security, that information is accessible to those who know how to maneuver the system. In contrast, private cloud security completely walls off any accessibility by outside sources.
3.Firewall Resources
Private cloud security lets you set up the firewall resources that are comfortable for you. Since the firewalls are devoted entirely to the client, you control who, if anyone is allowed to make changes to the firewall security set up within your network. However, note that monitoring the firewall system requires constant vigilance. Since private cloud security is in the early stages of development, IT professionals must be alert for new security breaches that might arise as the technology changes and adapts.
4.Increased Reliability
Another advantage of private cloud security is more reliability with your servers. This is because you have complete control over your entire network. When you use public cloud security, you must accept whatever wait times the public system is currently experiencing. At the same time, many public cloud systems have the hardware in place to keep servers running at all times, while some private cloud systems experience problems during heavy workload times.
5.Partitioning
Partitioning occurs when your private cloud system is divided into segments that may be treated differently by different parts of your company. Partitioning actually increases security within the system.
Many people assume that partitioning is not necessary within a private cloud network; however, for many organizations partitioning is helpful. For example, the financial department of a company might choose to be totally partitioned off from the rest of the private cloud, thereby increasing the effectiveness of its security system.
About the author:
Timothy Wightman is CEO/President of Effective Data in Schaumburg, IL. Effective Data is a worldwide leader in EDI consulting and data integration.
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