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Even if you’re not 100% certain how to explain cloud applications, it is likely that you already use them extensively in your business. This blog explains what they are, and how you can protect against any threats that arise from using these incredibly popular business-building applications. 

What are cloud applications?

Cloud applications are also known as cloud software or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, or sometimes just ‘apps’. They are hosted on the internet and not housed ‘physically’ anywhere on your premises. That means that the services are delivered over the internet. Instead of installing software on your own computer or servers, you access the software through a web browser or mobile app. The cloud provider is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure, ensuring availability, and providing technical support.

Some examples of cloud apps widely used by businesses are Microsoft 365 for productivity, HubSpot for marketing and Xero for accounting. 

In addition to the well-known apps, it is also becoming popular for companies to develop their own SaaS applications to provide customers with easy access to the company’s software products. 

What are the security and privacy concerns of using cloud applications?

The benefits of using cloud-hosted applications are clear. They have slick, modern interfaces, with simple onboarding for new users. Updates are delivered ‘over the air’ via the cloud and require a simple ‘click to accept’ with minimal downtime. And for apps that require payment, pricing is often on a per user basis, which lets the costs rise and fall in line with your usage of these applications, unlike in years gone by when expensive fixed annual licence fees were the norm.

But there are some security and privacy concerns to be aware of. The key ones include:

1. Data security and privacy: Storing data in the cloud means that the data is stored on servers that are maintained by the cloud provider. This can raise concerns about the security of the data and who has access to it. For a variety of reasons, businesses often need to be sure that the data is protected and that access is strictly limited.
2. Vendor lock-in: Once a business has started using a cloud application, it can be difficult to switch to a different provider or move the data back in-house. This is known as ‘switching costs’ and is often used by dominant suppliers to raise prices, because they know that the complexity of switching is too great for many to accept.
3. Reliance on the provider: Because the cloud provider is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring availability, to some extent, a business ‘outsources’ the responsibility for maintaining strong data controls and security over the data. This requires a high level of trust in the credentials and people of the service provider organisation.

How does using cloud application security protect my business?

Cloud application security refers to the measures and controls that are put in place to protect data and systems when using cloud-based applications. Some examples of the shape this can take include technical controls such as encryption, access controls, and firewalls. There may also be a set of policies and procedures that govern the use of cloud applications, including checklists of things to check before a particular application is chosen and implemented.

The end goal of cloud application security is to ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorised access and that the applications are protected from security threats that can affect operations such as hacking and data breaches.

For businesses, implementing effective cloud application security measures is essential to ensure that sensitive data is protected and that their operations are not disrupted. This may include reviewing contracts with cloud providers, implementing security controls, and regularly monitoring the use of cloud applications to ensure that they are secure and that best practices are being followed. A regular process of reviewing the reviews of cloud applications, even after they have been adopted, can be a proactive way to stay aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your providers.

Who can I contact to audit and improve the security of my cloud applications?

If you are interested in understanding the health of your current cyber security setup, or are concerned that you don’t know enough about it, or just unsure whether you are complying with the relevant requirements for your type of business, a cyber security specialist can help you to audit and understand your systems. CyberUnlocked is a trusted partner of Australian businesses, and our friendly, experienced team is ready to help with your questions.