Cloud computing brought substantial changes to the security industry. Before it came to the forefront, people had to use CD-ROMs to update security software, for example. Concerning physical security, the only option for getting a more updated model of something like a camera or a lock was typical to buy the newest version.
If you’re actively considering beefing up security at your organization or are a security professional who wants to stay abreast of new options, this list of six cloud-based security products will help.
1. Smart Locks
One of the primary advantages of smart locks is that they allow you to grant or remove access as needed without going through the hassle of distributing keys and asking people to return them. For example, some companies that offer smart lock technology allow controlling all the locks in a single building or even across multiple locations through one dashboard.
Another perk of cloud-based smart locks is that you can typically receive smartphone notifications as people come or go through controlled access points. Sometimes, it’s possible to search through an access history list. Then, if a security professional is not physically able to investigate something strange, they can still determine what’s happening and decide whether to have someone intervene and look deeper into suspicious circumstances.
2. Endpoint Protection Suites
Endpoint protection — which involves securing end-user devices — is an instrumental part of keeping enterprises safe from cybercriminals. Some companies implement BYOD policies, where people can bring devices they own to work and rely on them to stay productive. That brings more convenience and familiarity for users, but can make cybersecurity exceptionally challenging.
Fortunately, endpoint protection solutions exist in the cloud. Some of them have built-in data analytics and artificial intelligence. Those features give security professionals a detailed look at their endpoint protection as a whole.
Also, it’s common for brands to offer mobile apps that complement cloud-based endpoint protection. They let people who have access to the endpoint protection solutions implemented at their workplaces make adjustments and look at trends while on the go.
3. Video Surveillance
The availability of cloud-enhanced video surveillance brought about a dedicated industry — video surveillance as a service. Estimates predict the global market share of that sector to reach $1.8 billion by 2020. The demand has also caused companies that did not initially offer cloud-based solutions to add them to their assortment of services. Customers can integrate IP video cameras with cloud-based features and storage.
Cloud-based video surveillance options are typically faster to configure than their non-cloud counterparts. Also, these systems are often extremely scalable, making them ideal for companies that are in growth periods. Also, because footage gets backed up to the cloud almost immediately, it offers peace of mind in case physical cameras fail or get damaged.
4. Password Managers
People have to remember passwords for their online banking accounts, social media profiles and favorite e-commerce stores, to name a few. Having a strong password is one of the fundamental recommendations for good cybersecurity. But, it can also cause a problem called password fatigue. When it happens, people conclude it’s too frustrating or time-consuming to follow the best practices for passwords, and they often stop trying.
One problem is that requirements often dictate that users make their passwords complex, and change them regularly. That may mean the individuals using the passwords forget them. According to one study, people spend more than 10 hours a year entering or resetting passwords. Using a cloud-based password manager makes things much easier.
With these tools, people typically only need to remember one master password, instead of dozens or hundreds. Also, the keys used to encrypt and decrypt the password data are usually locally stored on a device. That means even if a password manager brand gets hacked, cybercriminals won’t have the information needed to break into your password vault. Also, the cloud-based nature of the manager means passwords get updated across every device you use.
5. Biometrics
Biometrics involves scanning a person’s body part, such as their finger or eye, as part of an identity management system. A market forecast report expects the global biometrics market to reach $37.2 billion by 2024, showing a combined annual growth rate of approximately 14%. The document also mentions that the increasing use of biometrics in cloud computing is one of the main drivers for the expected success.
Some of the companies offering cloud biometrics feature built-in spoofing detection. Plus, the cloud server never stores any information about an identified person, such as their name or email address. Then, there’s no chance the biometrics company could identify a person by putting their face or a specific biological characteristic together with a piece of identifying information.
6. Antivirus Software
Many computers have free trials of antivirus software installed on them out of the box. And, antivirus software has been around long enough that even non-tech-savvy people are at least somewhat familiar with taking this step to keep their machines safe and working as expected.
When companies assess which antivirus solution to choose, it’s essential to get one that gets updated frequently enough to spot all the latest threats. Antivirus software that has a cloud component can help. Information about the newest kinds of malware gets delivered via the cloud. Sometimes, that happens automatically. In other cases, people set the desired schedule to get cloud updates.
Some options use technology such as artificial intelligence to recognize problems that aren’t part of an antivirus software’s database of issues yet. Those intelligent possibilities help you stay maximally protected against problems that are not widely problematic for most internet users.
Plenty of Cloud-Based Choices
This list shows whether you want protection from cyberthreats, new ways to lock down your physical premises or do both, cloud-based advancements provide a wide assortment of tools you can integrate into a workplace. Then, you benefit from options that put security first and store data safely and off-site.
Kayla Matthews writes about cybersecurity and technology for publications like Malwarebytes, Security Boulevard, InformationWeek and CloudTweaks. To read more from Kayla, visit her blog: ProductivityBytes.com.