How Secure Is the Cloud and Is It Safer Than Legacy Systems?

Posted on September 4th 2019

Cloud solutions are flexible, agile and secure. They’re a significant upgrade on legacy systems, allowing users to be more productive and reducing the frustrating maintenance time that legacy systems require. Here’s why outdated systems are holding your business back and how you can make the switch.

Legacy Systems Are Vulnerable

These are the systems that have been around for years that your business relies on. They’ve been in use for so long that there’s often resistance if you suggest upgrading to a newer alternative because people are so accustomed to them.

They’re usually unique to each business – systems that’ve been designed and created specifically to solve problems that only you face. But to support the growing trend of remote working, laptops need certain software installing and VPNs need to be created back to the office to access a machine that’s been gathering dust for years.

This is often inefficient, harms productivity and is another challenge that takes up your valuable time.

Although they’re an essential part of the infrastructure, their longevity makes them vulnerable. The developers of these systems typically move on to newer and more innovative software, eventually ending the regular patches they create and deploy for older versions. Within these patches are security features that prevent exploits from cyber criminals.

Once these patches stop rolling out, gaps in the system are more likely to be found and taken advantage of by thieves. Consider Windows 7, for example, which is coming to end of life in early 2020. You’ll still be able to use the software but it’ll be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.

It only takes one breach in a legacy system for valuable data to be stolen and your business to be at risk. It’s your responsibility to make sure this doesn’t happen. But, this can take up a lot of your time and prevent you from working on top-level strategic work that will support growth and ultimately elevate your position.

Migrating from these legacy systems to the cloud can give you a lot of your time back and they’re more secure too.

Your Data is Safer on the Cloud

Firstly, working via the cloud eliminates any need for a VPN. Users can access everything they need wherever they are, so there’s no need to create secure links between laptops and specific machines.

Next, migrating to the cloud reduces vulnerabilities across the business because you’re always operating on the most recent versions of systems. We previously mentioned the problems faced with systems going end-of-life. This isn’t an issue with the cloud as they’re always kept updated with the latest security features by Microsoft, Google, Amazon and other major providers.

These industry giants have the necessary resources and vested interest to make sure that their respective cyber defence teams are always several steps ahead of potential hackers. Choose the cloud and it’s reassuring to know these experts are working to make your systems as secure as possible.

There’s a misconception that data can be hacked once it’s on the cloud. Some high-profile incidents caused doubts to grow. Senior managers knew the benefits of the cloud and the potential it could unlock for their business, but they had concerns about security.

In fact, cloud played a very small part in these incidents. Individuals were targeted through other means when they had credentials stolen – but the cloud itself wasn’t breached.

A similar misconception is that businesses that switch over to the cloud are handing over their data to someone else. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You’ll still have total control of your sensitive information and no one else is able to access it.

If you’re currently reliant on legacy systems but you’re ready to reap the benefits of the cloud, then it’s important to approach switching in the right way.

Switching from Legacy to the Cloud

Before switching, your business needs to carry out the right research and preparation work. Consider what the cloud is capable of and the impact it will have on your business. Carrying out this research and due diligence will ensure you’re best placed to get the most from the cloud.

By researching the platform, you’ll determine exactly the right course of action for you. You need the right solution, not just any solution – so take the time to consider the differences between public, private and hybrid clouds, for example.

Rush into switching and you’re more likely to be left paying more than you really need to. Increased costs are just one of the possible problems you can face if you switch without the right strategy or expert help.

Outsource the switch and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your systems are in expert hands. At BCN, we’ve been working with the cloud for years, helping businesses like yours to switch successfully. As an MSP, we know the common pitfalls faced during a switch and we’ll take steps to ensure everything runs smoothly so there’s no significant impact on your daily operations.

Why Your Business Should Work With an MSP

Migrating to the cloud is just one area that an MSP can assist your business with. By outsourcing your IT support, you’ll gain access to other industry experts who can help to monitor and manage your systems.

This external support frees up your calendar to be more involved in major business projects that need IT’s assistance. To see the full range of benefits of outsourcing your IT solutions, make sure to download our free guide today using the link below.