How Cloud Software Is Transforming Email Security

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The way Cloud Security is now being deployed and consumed has changed immensely since the inception of cloud computing. These changes also affect the way businesses are built and how they deliver software and cloud security.

An aspect that must always be considered when looking at cloud computing is the application and data security of cloud services, especially when you look at the changes to the core infrastructure of services like email delivery as a cloud-native service.

For cloud services, security is one of the most essential features that has to be locked down. When it comes to a service such as email, customers have to be confident that the integrity of their data and their privacy is the highest priority. You’ve already gone through the trouble of collecting and verifying emails, so don’t lose out on valuable business due to avoidable vulnerabilities.

Here are some of the reasons why cloud security is safer than ever, and how cloud-native businesses like email are transforming as a result.

Say Goodbye To The Email Security You Used To Know

Emails have grown to become one of the most dependent and effective means of communications for people, whether it’s in a casual or business manner. This effectiveness derives from the customers trust in the systems put in place.

Email is also universally accepted and easily accessible on different platforms. Despite all of these strengths, email’s nature of open communication leads to many malicious attacks on its infrastructure.

For most of us, the equivalent of email attacks are message-based risks, such as spam, phishing schemes, or malware. For cases like these, spam filters and virus scanners are usually the first line of defense.

Today, entire industry systems that includes anti-spam vendors, ISPs, and inbox providers have made huge developments in solving the email spam issue. Even though emails are still a large target for phishing attempts, the email industry has introduced new standards like DMARC to reduce phishing vulnerabilities that might exist.

In-house Doesn’t Mean Invincible

The IT environment has grown to a point where hostilities emerge from every corner. It’s gotten so extreme that most IT teams do not have the resources or time to stay ahead of the curve in protecting their emailing systems. Only some companies can deploy technology and hire enough staff to counter new threats in-house.

Some of the problems or difficulties of owning a physical infrastructure within the business include setting up a secure location, reinforcing the system against natural disasters, protecting it against violent physical threats, and more. Beyond these physical problems, the digital side can also be more complex, such as network defense, server operating system security, and encryption.

Role of Security in a Cloud Is Ever-Changing

The risks and costs that are associated with a self-managed email delivery infrastructure are much higher than modern cloud-based alternatives. Cloud systems have many various advantages over an in-house solution, and that’s mainly because cloud services offer a “security by design” process.

Cloud platforms are are services, not just a code or product. Operational security is a main selling point for cloud technology. Instead of being reactive, the IT security teams for cloud platforms have to be proactive in the way they deal with vulnerabilities and attacks. This quality is a major deciding factor when it comes to choosing between cloud and in-house platforms.

Domain Expertise is Necessary in Cloud Security

When it comes to cloud security, having a deep understanding for domain space and working closely with the developers of the software are two important factors to consider. The interaction between security, developers, and devops teams are one of the biggest strengths of cloud providers.

To create a reliable and innovative cloud system, a strong infrastructure that can’t be penetrated by virulent threats is important. High performance and high security are two things that should be delivered hand-in-hand.

Together with the cloud infrastructure provider, you can leverage their service to protect your entire stack. By having them handle one side of the defense while you handle the other, you are able to focus your teams on core services and your main expertise.

Delivering Better Cloud Security For Customers

Cloud services all have a functional value, and cloud providers have the added responsibility of having to protect their customers when it comes to security and privacy. While this can be a challenge, it shouldn’t also be considered a liability.

By implementing a company’s service into a cloud platform, this provides them with a real advantage in serving their customers. The cloud offers people with an infrastructure security that is better than any alternative.

Article by Rae Steinbach, Scully Labs

Scully Labs designs, develop, and deploy compelling augmented reality applications for iOS, Android and HoloLens.

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