Many organizations manage extensive amounts of data that require secure handling. The decision of whether to safeguard this data on-site or through cloud hosting is crucial. As businesses expand, the choice of where to store data becomes increasingly significant.
When evaluating enterprise software and choosing deployment and hosting alternatives, it is essential to understand the differences between on-premise and cloud security. In this blog we highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each option to help you make an informed decision for your organization.
Advantages of On-Premise Security
Having an on-premise security system means having a physical boundary around your data. Additionally, you possess full control over your servers and the ability to customize them according to your preferences.
For instance, you can determine when data deletion is necessary, and you can ensure a thorough cleansing of all hard drives before disposal.
Another advantage of on-premise enterprise software is the ease of controlling data access, as each user has only a single point of access. Although remote employees can utilize a VPN to log in from almost anywhere, VPNs utilize identity management for security.
Disadvantages of On-Premise Security
A major drawback of on-premise security is the requirement for substantial space to house servers, along with the need for skilled security professionals. Scaling demands acquiring more space and hiring additional security personnel.
Managing your own data storage, maintenance, and security introduces cost issues, including significant upfront expenses that act as a barrier to entry for many organizations. Another challenge is the lack of automatic updates, causing security tools in an on-premise environment to become outdated and struggle to keep up with emerging threats.
Advantages of Cloud Security
When utilizing cloud technology for data storage and protection, security responsibilities are shared between the organization and the cloud service provider (CSP). Depending on the chosen service type, responsibilities may vary:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Physical elements are not your concern, but you must manage virtual machine provisioning, secure the virtual network, and monitor applications and interfaces within the network.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): The CSP assumes additional security responsibilities, managing virtual machine provisioning and securing the virtual network, while you handle data management, interface monitoring, and application security.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): The CSP is responsible for all mentioned duties, including the application itself, while you ensure the security of your data and interfaces.
In each scenario, payment is made only for the required storage level, allowing easy scalability as your needs grow.
The ability to scale rapidly is a significant advantage for companies using cloud-based systems to store data. Another benefit is access to security tools provided by cloud service providers, often incorporating built-in tools for identifying and resolving network vulnerabilities, sometimes using machine learning for immediate threat notifications.
Disadvantages of Cloud Security
The primary drawback of relying on an online vendor is the often-standardized nature of their security options, limiting customization possibilities. Another concern is the accessibility of company applications from any device with internet access in cloud-based security.
APIs accessing applications pose an additional challenge. While many cloud service providers embed APIs into their platforms for easy interfacing, this convenience adds complexity to security considerations. Although APIs typically don’t require extensive permissions, thorough investigation of connected systems’ security is essential.
Preparing for Software Selection
The decision between on-premise and cloud security is crucial in software selection, whether for ERP systems or other enterprise software. A comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons enables better discussions with the vendors and service providers regarding your needs and priorities.
Digimark can provide you with the best options and consultancy for your needs and data safety.
Contact us to find out how our solutions can elevate your security and operations.