The Two Biggest Cloud Security Concerns for 2015

By Michael Brown 1

While many companies would like to adopt cloud services, many still resist over concerns about data security. Here's how managed service providers (MSPs) can overcome the two main objections to cloud computing and cloud-based file sharing in 2015.

As a recent article from CloudWedge says, “The most cited barrier to entry for cloud into the enterprise continues to be the security concerns involved with an infrastructure overhaul.” The problem with that lingering concern is that the enduring lack of education is hindering the market for MSPs. Yet, this knowledge also presents an opportunity.

What these hesitant or resistant organizations really fear is the unknown. And, what they don’t know is what adopting the cloud will mean for their most valuable, most highly-protected data.

A KPMG cloud security survey of IT executives reports that 45 percent of respondents cite data privacy and data loss as their top hesitations regarding cloud implementation. With that in mind, here are the two biggest objections MSPs must overcome in order to convert more leads in 2015:

How can my organization be sure our data is being kept safe?

It’s no wonder that people are concerned as to whether or not their data will be kept safe in the cloud. There have been high-profile cases of compromised data and information at large enterprises all over the world. And, says CloudWedge, “When data is lost, jobs are typically lost.”

MSPs need to assure organizations that their data, their information, their livelihood will be kept safe up above. It’s important to stress to organizations that the cloud is more secure now than it has ever been before. Plus, why should your customers place the burden of cloud security on their own teams when MSPs are able to offer their experienced, professional services for securing their data and information and jobs?

What if our organization’s data comes under attack?

Maybe the cloud isn’t leaking (raining?) companies’ private information unto the masses, but what if that data comes under attack? What if some cyber criminals discover the organization’s passwords? What if they find a way to delete private data and information, or worse: they “cloudjack” it?

MSPs can alleviate this concern by educating organizations about encryption and data backup. Show these customers and prospects that, above all, managing their cloud-based services means maintaining and even improving their data security.

Data security will always be a major concern of enterprises. But if you are prepared and address these concerns early, misconceptions about cloud security won't be a barrier to your business, they'll be an opportunity. What cloud sharing security concerns have you come across with your clients? Let us know in the comments.