With the increasing cases of cyber threats, you shouldn’t take chances with how you manage your cloud security. Here are some things to do to succeed in your cloud security posture management.  Key Takeaways: Organizations moving to the cloud must implement proper security measures to protect data and applications. Cases of cyber risks are increasing, and it only makes sense for small and big companies to secure their cloud infrastructure better than before.  The question now is, how can you secure your cloud infrastructure and data? First, you need to have an elaborate Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) – a critical process that should be implemented correctly for the best results.  Here is everything you need to know about CSPM, why it matters, and how to implement it for ultimate success.  What Is Cloud Security Posture Management, and Why Does It Matter? If you’re like most people, the term “Cloud Security Posture Management” (CSPM) may not mean much to you. But even if you’re unfamiliar with the term, CSPM is something your business may need for data security and compliance reasons.  So, what is cloud security posture management, and why does it matter? CSPM is a set of tools and processes that help organizations assess and improve their security posture in the cloud. It allows organizations to scan their cloud infrastructure for potential risks and vulnerabilities. Once these risks have been identified, the CSPM will provide recommendations for how to mitigate them.  Now you know what cloud security posture management means, but why should you be worried about it in the first place?  -Secure Your Data Today, data is everything, and as more businesses move their operations to the cloud, it’s becoming easier for hackers to access sensitive information. A proper CSPM will reduce such risks by identifying potential vulnerabilities and recommending solutions.  -Compliance Purposes CSPM can help businesses comply with industry-specific regulations—such as HIPAA for healthcare or PCI DSS for credit card transactions. Depending on your specific industry, there may be compliance requirements to adhere to, and better management of your cloud security posture can put you on the right track.  -Cost-Saving Reasons With CSPM, your company can avoid costly downtime and recovery expenses by identifying and remediating risks before they result in an actual security breach. In addition, many CSPM solutions come with built-in optimization features, which are critical in reducing overall cloud costs. Now the biggest concern is, what do you need to do to successfully manage your cloud security posture? Below are the eight things to do. 8 Steps to Take for Cloud Security Posture Management Success There are some critical steps you must take if you want to manage your cloud security posture successfully, including the following.                      1. Establishing Clear Policies Highlighting policies and procedures is the first step toward successful cloud security posture management. Having unified standards and guidelines for employees allows for a comprehensive understanding of CSPM requirements and ultimately improves your security efforts.  It’s also essential to ensure each policy contains regularly updated CSPM and adequately outlines punishable offenses in case of violations. Developing a policy outlining how data should be stored, accessed, and protected will make things clear for your team.  Again, you want to be sure to familiarize yourself with all applicable laws and regulations and any industry standards that apply to your organization’s use of cloud-based services.  2. Opt for Multi-Factor Authentication One of the most critical steps to take when setting up CSPM is adopting Multi-Factor Authentication as a layer of enhanced security. This includes using identity verification measures, like biometric authentication or two-factor authorization, when logging in to sensitive accounts and applications. Authenticating users in your cloud infrastructure is the surest way to know that only authorized personnel can access your data and applications. Using cryptography to store and access sensitive data will also enhance your existing security efforts and provide ongoing protection for the ultimate good. 3. Establish Regular Patching Practices Cloud security posture management success relies on regular patching practices. This requires organizations to actively manage cloud security configurations, systems, and patches, to streamline a cloud security technique that keeps out potential threats and malicious actors.  Establishing continuous patch assessment and deployment cycles can offset risks by quickly applying updates to cloud infrastructure configurations and expanding cloud asset inventories.  4. Implement Access Controls Utilizing access control in cloud security posture management is also essential. Begin by taking advantage of cloud access security brokers (CASB) services to get visibility into cloud usage, detect threats, and remediate cloud-specific risks.  Organizations can remain vigilant against cyber threats and minimize the risk of data breaches by having additional guardrails and authentication steps in place.  5. Establish a Vulnerability Management Strategy The most crucial step in successful cloud security posture management is establishing a comprehensive vulnerability management strategy. The goal is to provide visibility over cloud assets and detect any threats that may be present, and this can be done through: Establishing an effective vulnerability management program will come in handy in identifying potential issues so they can be addressed quickly and efficiently. The success depends on concrete policy enforcement measures, standard cloud configurations, and resource utilization assessments.  6. Monitor and Audit Logs Regularly Another critical step in managing cloud security posture is to monitor and audit logs regularly and vigilantly. One perfect way to ensure this is to keep track of all tools running in the cloud to ensure everything functions as expected. These logs must also be audited periodically to: Regular monitoring and auditing log files will help you detect malicious trends that could, otherwise, compromise your cloud security posture. 7. Use Encryption Where Possible Encryption is also an essential technique in managing your cloud security efforts, and it will ensure your data is safe. Paying attention to both ends of the connection is advisable, as data passing between virtual machines usually require special consideration. A robust encryption method can make all the difference in guaranteeing efficient

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Key Takeaways: It seems like there’s always a buzzword that accompanies computer technology innovations when they’re first introduced. One prominent example is cloud computing – a less expensive and more efficient model of operation for businesses.  When it all started there was just One Big Computer – the ENIAC. Then, during the Unix period, we discovered how to use simple (not derogatory) connectors to integrate with the ENIAC. Personal computers came next, marking the first time that ordinary folk really possessed the equipment that performed the job. And on and on, fast and furious, with the advancements since then. Now we have edge computing. Is this just another buzzword? What does it mean for your business? Let’s find out. What Is Edge Computing? The term “edge” refers to a precise geographic location of operation. Edge computing performs computation right from your data source rather than depending on the cloud from the data centers to manipulate information and streamline processes.  Note that edge computing doesn’t eliminate the cloud – it complements it. How so?  Early edge computing projects intended to reduce the cost of bandwidth necessary to move unprocessed data from the place of generation to either a commercial data center or the cloud. The concept has evolved more recently due to the development of real-time programs that demand less latency, such as autonomous vehicles. Edge computing is, in fact, closely related to the current global implementation of the 5G wireless standard due to 5G’s ability to speed up processing for these cutting-edge, low-latency use cases and applications. What Edge Computing Looks Like in Process The basic idea behind the edge’s hardware design is that client devices link to nearby edge modules for quicker performance and more seamless interactions. Edge devices might include IoT sensors, a worker’s laptop or mobile, security cameras, or even the internet-connected microwave in the break room. An automated robot is an example of an edge device in an industrial setting, which could take the shape of advanced surgical technology in the medical profession that enables doctors to operate remotely. Edge gateways are edge devices in and of themselves and are part of an edge computing architecture. Nomenclature varies, so you might hear the modules referred to as edge servers or edge gateways. Many edge gateways and servers will be installed by service providers (like Verizon for its 5G network) to allow edge networks, but companies looking to set up a private edge system will also need to consider this technology. How is this relevant to your business? Benefits of Edge Computing Businesses can reinvent interactions with the help of edge and cloud. Manufacturing and IoT are only a few possible uses for edge computing.  Edge can be used to encourage quick decisions and enhance user experiences by boosting relevance at every touchpoint. Now, with the support of the broader cloud foundation, edge computing is assisting in creating new data and experiences. These are all essential issues to consider, so let’s see how they’re relevant in the business setting. It Saves Costs Edge computing reduces the need for dedicated servers and bandwidth. Why? It’s simple: Cloud technologies and connectivity are limited and expensive. As smart cameras, scanners, heaters, and even toasters become standard in every home and workplace, Statista projects that by 2025, more than 75 billion IoT devices will be deployed globally. It will be necessary to relocate a sizable portion of computing to the edge if we’re to support all those gadgets. It Enhances System Performance The most significant benefit of edge computing is arguably its ability to evaluate and retain data more rapidly. Edge computing’s implementation adopts a more practical and meaningful approach, enabling more successful real-world applications crucial to organizations. A smartphone reading a person’s face for picture identification historically would have to run the image recognition algorithm using a cloud-based program, which would take a lot of time. The algorithm might run remotely in an edge-computing architecture, utilizing an edge server, entry point, or even a smartphone. Applications like virtual and augmented reality, self-driving cars, and even smart cities require this kind of rapid processing and response. Edge computing uses the growing capacity of in-device computing to quickly give in-depth analysis and predictions. Improved analytics in edge devices can spur innovation to increase value and improve quality. Additionally, it presents crucial strategic issues like: Large amounts of processing must travel to the edge to maximize the capabilities of all these devices. Potential Issues of Edge Computing Edge computing has the disadvantage of potentially increasing cyberattack avenues. Here’s what that means. There is additional potential for malevolent attackers to infiltrate your systems as more “smart” machines enter the mix, including edge servers and IoT devices with powerful built-in processors. Edge computing also has the disadvantage of requiring additional local infrastructure. An IoT camera, for instance, needs a built-in machine to transmit its raw footage data to a server. To execute its kinematic algorithms, however, it would require a far more advanced computer with greater computing power. Hardware costs are falling, making the construction of smarter gadgets more affordable. Contact the Experts at Techromatic Edge computing isn’t a simple concept to grasp – after all, it hasn’t been completely figured out yet. The benefits can be very appealing if you know how to integrate edge into your business, and the best part is that you don’t have to go at it on your own.  The experts at Techromatic are always ready to help! We help businesses create, deploy, and manage processes like edge computing so they can boost productivity and efficiency. Get in touch with Techromatic today to learn how to transform your business with edge computing. What is edge computing with example? Edge computing is a distributed computing architecture in which data processing and storage are moved closer to the end user. Edge computing enables applications to run faster by reducing the amount of time it takes for data to travel from the device to the cloud for processing. An example of

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The global cloud computing market is currently worth a whopping $126 billion. This makes sense when you consider how convenient, flexible, and secure cloud systems are. If you’re thinking of implementing a cloud system, you likely are wondering about the ins and outs of this network management method. Here, we’re going to talk about the top 11 benefits of cloud computing for your business operations. Read on to feel more confident in your decision to switch to IT services that implement cloud methods. What is Cloud Computing/Network Management? Traditionally, businesses used on-site storage systems to manage their technology. These servers took up physical space in an office and held databases, applications, intelligence, and more. Cloud computing systems digitize this storage as well as the delivery of resources. When you implement a cloud-based system, you store all databases, intelligence, apps, software, analytics, storage, and security resources on a secure virtual network. This cloud network is only accessible to authorized users and secured against threats. However, unlike an on-premise storage system, users can access it anywhere and from any device. How Is Cloud Computing Used for Businesses? There are several ways that organizations use cloud computing for their business operations. These include but are not limited to: Ultimately, the cloud offers many benefits to businesses. You can access additional services and get more storage space than a physical server could provide. You get automated backups and secure data recovery strategies via cloud network management professionals. In short, businesses use the cloud to boost their efficiency and security. What Are the Characteristics of Cloud Computing? There are five core characteristics of cloud computing: These are the cloud computing standards outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Knowing the characteristics of cloud computing allows you to better implement flexible systems and access the most benefits possible. Now that you know the basics of cloud computing, let’s take a look at their top benefits. 1. Saves Money One of the main reasons to implement cloud computing technologies is that they come with financial benefits. About 94% of companies state that the cloud reduces both setup and maintenance costs. 47% also said that their IT costs would drop from anywhere between 30-50%. This makes sense when you consider that cloud computing does not require hardware maintenance. There’s no need to pay someone to set up an on-site server, and there are no costs associated with maintaining a server, either. Additionally, working with managed IT providers means that your cloud system will constantly be updated and upgraded. It comes with the cost of your private, public, or hybrid cloud. You won’t need to shell out additional fees to keep your cloud server running effectively. 2. Boosts Efficiency Time is money, and one of the ways that cloud computing saves money is by boosting efficiency and saving time. Those that implement cloud systems see an 18.8% increase in process efficiency. This boost means that you will have more time to spend in other areas of your business. Processes will flow more quickly so that you can develop new applications and workflows to further streamline the business. You also will have more time to spend focusing on core products, marketing, fostering client relations, and more. Businesses that implement cloud systems also see a 20.66% decrease in time to market new products and services. This allows you to get products and solutions out to clients more quickly, boosting their satisfaction. You’re more likely to get good reviews and build customer loyalty so that your business can thrive. 3. Makes You More Scalable One of the top advantages of cloud computing is increased scalability. Those who use on-site hardware and other outdated infrastructure can’t easily remove resources that your business is no longer using. They’ll continue to take up space and cost you money (via energy bills or operational maintenance costs). However, cloud computing systems let you effortlessly remove applications you no longer need. You can also install new resources, apps, and software systems with no frills. Users can also be quickly added and removed as necessary. If someone no longer works for you, you can take them off the system immediately. If you hire a new employee or create a new position, you can add them to the list of authorized users. This is critical for modern, fast-moving businesses. Investing in cloud systems means that you can easily adapt to rapid growth. Seasonal changes are also much easier. 4. Increases Flexibility Scalability is often lumped in with flexibility, but the two aren’t always the same thing. While scalability means that you can downsize and expand your business at will, flexibility means that you can adjust hours and work remotely more easily. It also means that you can use systems on multiple devices within the workplace and access them in multiple ways. Because the cloud is completely virtual, it’s 100% flexible. You can access the cloud regardless of your location or device. It also is never going to be shut off after regular work hours. Flexibility is important for many reasons, especially because devices break and new ones are required to continue with daily operations. Employees can get the same information on any other device by connecting to the shared cloud, which reduces downtime and frustration. 5. Makes Remote Work Easier However, one of the main reasons that flexibility is critical is the increasing demand for remote work. It’s important to keep in mind that: Because data is accessible anywhere regardless of the time of day, cloud computing technologies make it easier for you to hire remote workers. This keeps your existing employees happy and boosts their productivity. It also makes you more competitive in the job market so that you can find qualified new hires. 6. Provides a Secure Alternative The average data breach costs a company around $4.24 million. If you operate an organization with between 10-30 people, a hit this huge could easily force you out of business. Data breaches are common with traditional on-premise

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Can You Trust The Cloud?

  • Elisa Silverglade
  • October 31, 2016

One of the most common questions we get from new customers is whether or not they can trust their business data in the Cloud.   It’s a total

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Come On Up, The Cloud Is Fine

  • Elisa Silverglade
  • April 13, 2015

While people have been talking about “the cloud” for years, a common question we get from many business owners remains, “What’s the best…

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Techromatic’s Vision For 2014

  • Elisa Silverglade
  • January 3, 2014

One of the fundamental trends in the world right now is a shift from a top-down perspective to a bottom-up perspective. We see this in…

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