Top Security Questions to Ask Before Hosting Video in the Cloud – Earlier this year, a video cloud hosting start-up experienced a massive breach exposing more than 149,000 security cameras to hackers who used high-level log-in credentials to access the company’s extensive camera network. One of the hackers shared some of the material with The Washington Post, which highlighted in an article the dangers of widespread cloud surveillance technologies and what’s at stake when cloud hosting companies are not one step ahead of potential hackers.
With stolen data that included surveillance video from schools and jails to the company’s extensive client list, this breach is a sobering reminder that companies who store large amounts of video and data in the cloud are becoming bigger targets for cyberattacks. Yet with the global cloud computing and hosting market expected to reach 684.55 billion dollars by 2027, working outside of the cloud will soon no longer be an option for most businesses. If you’re in the market for a new cloud hosting provider or are unsure about moving your company to the cloud, we compiled some of the top security questions you should ask before making a final decision.
Top Security Questions to Ask Before Hosting Video in the Cloud
How will your company protect my data?
When working with a cloud hosting partner, you must have a solid understanding of what that company is doing to secure your data. Whether it’s a hacker or a system failure, you need to be assured your livelihood is monitored and managed responsibly. You also need to know that everything will be accessible without downtime or damage to your files. If a service provider is not forthcoming with details on how your data is protected, it is a serious indicator you should be looking elsewhere for a professional cloud provider.
Has your company ever been the victim of a major cyberattack?
Even a small cyberattack can lead to significant and long-lasting repercussions for your business. If you can’t access your data in the cloud, it will be almost impossible to run your company and serve your customers. Before committing to a new cloud provider, do your research and insist the company answers your questions about previous attacks, their mitigation policies, response times, and how their customers were affected.
How do your services interact with the IoT devices my company uses?
From cloud video surveillance systems and sensors to digital thermostats, IoT devices play a more significant role than ever before in the world of video monitoring. Before hosting your video in the cloud, it’s essential to understand the devices you are using and how they are compatible with your cloud hosting company’s systems. Reputable cloud hosting partners should be able to proactively identify inconsistencies and work with you to ensure your data is impenetrable and communicating between devices seamlessly.
Related Reading: What are Virtual Guard Services?
Virtual guard services, also known as remote guarding, are some of the most sophisticated and cost-effective monitoring solutions available. Combining advanced camera and sensor technology with software that employs the latest in AI and machine learning, virtual security guards can monitor anything from businesses to homes and property
Do your services meet all legal and regulatory guidelines?
Companies storing and transferring data in the cloud must meet or exceed the latest legal and regulatory guidelines. This is particularly important when dealing with sensitive or mission-critical data such as alarm signals, video, health records, or financial information. “When a business entrusts its data and IT infrastructure with a cloud hosting center, they should be assured the facility is implementing comprehensive digital and physical security standards,” says DICE Corporation Co-President Avi Lupo. “Our data centers are completely redundant and comply with the latest UL and ULC requirements, and we’ve even implemented additional security measures and policies to ensure our systems are healthy and exceed industry standards.”
Do you require your employees to participate in routine training?
Cloud computing is constantly evolving, which is why it is no longer enough for cloud hosting providers to simply follow the latest compliance guidelines. Before choosing a cloud hosting provider, look for a company that requires its employees to participate in ongoing training. Not only will this reassure you that your important data is being handled safely, but it will also give you access to a team of professionals who can answer your questions and respond to any issues with confidence.
Choosing the right cloud hosting provider for video is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. A trustworthy cloud provider will take the time to answer your questions and do whatever it takes to ensure you are entirely comfortable with their services. If you’re interested in learning more, our team can discuss cloud hosting and answer your questions. Contact us today to schedule a virtual demo with a DICE representative.
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