TechDogs-"Cloud Compliance Software: Decoded"

Cloud

Cloud Compliance Software Decoded

By TechDogs Editorial Team

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Overview

We all know The Joker from DC Comics as one of the most chaotic and volatile psychopaths of all time! His arch-nemesis, The Batman (our favorite superhero!), did everything he could to stop the Joker’s menace through a disciplined approach and strategic planning. We mean, The Joker wanted to hack into Gotham City’s cloud data to create anarchy among its citizens – but Batman saved the day again! How, you ask?

Batman leveraged the power of Cloud Compliance Software. Most organizations – including all the businesses and government agencies in Gotham – had data stored in the cloud. One of the tenets of deploying cloud-based systems is to follow the set of guiding principles – after all, Batman is a man of principle. Moreover, businesses using cloud computing must scrutinize their compliance efforts and take steps to meet the required guidelines – or else guys like The Joker can get their hands on your data!

Individual users, government agencies or institutions, everyone must leverage solutions that help follow certain rules when using cloud-based services. Keep reading to know more about Cloud Compliance Software and why it is needed.
TechDogs-"Cloud Compliance Software Decoded"- Don't Clown Around With Cloud Compliance!
“All you care about is money. This city deserves a better class of chaos. And I’m gonna give it to them!”


This is The Joker’s take on Cloud Computing – taking all the cloud data and using it to spread fear and disorder. The Joker, widely regarded as cinema’s most admired antagonist, is missing one thing this time – the power of cloud compliance tools. In this episode of Gotham, we will explain all you need to know about Cloud Compliance Software; how it helps keep cloud data safe, the laws regulating Cloud Compliance and why you should care about them.

In this article, we will answer all these questions and dispel any doubts regarding Cloud Compliance Software. Ready?
 

What Is Cloud Compliance Software?


Cloud compliance is the art and science of obeying cloud guidelines as per industry standards and international laws. Regulatory standards include Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). In the healthcare sector, for instance, the set of laws known as HIPAA demand strict guidelines and security procedures for certain types of patient data. Whether the data is stored on cloud or on-premises, the same security standard needs to be upheld.  

Abraham Lincoln understood the significance of history and once quoted, “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history.” Similarly, we cannot proceed further until we look back in time and witness the beginning of the cloud and the need for its regulation. Let’s see where it all started!
 

The History Of Cloud Compliance Software


The term "Cloud Computing" has been around for much longer than you might think. The term was introduced by the then Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, during an industry conference on August 9, 2006. Since that day, its growth has been exponential as complex applications are no longer restricted to physical locations. We have observed the transformation of floppies to flash drives to microscopic storage drives and beyond. While Millennials presume the cloud belongs to them, the roots of non-local computing can be traced back to the 1950s.

When non-local cloud storage first entered the world in 1950, it was built as a military-host machine to link computer terminals across an internal structure. The term "cloud" was initially associated with the idea of distributed computing, which became popular at Apple-spawned General Magic in the early 1990s. According to Computerworld, the idea was first addressed by J.C.R. Licklider, the first director of the Information Processing Techniques Office at the Pentagon's ARPA division in the 1960s.

Licklider's idea transformed computing when, in 1969, Bob Taylor and Larry Roberts founded ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Networks), the forerunner to what we now call the internet. The rise of various Virtual Machines (VMs), like those developed by computer heavyweights like IBM, occurred in the 1970s.
 
In the 1990s, as the tech became more affordable, a large number of personal computers were inter-connected. Finally, in 1999, Salesforce became the first company offering applications over the internet, ushering in the Software as a Service era. Three years later, the market had rapidly expanded, with video, music and other types of media being stored and delivered online. Due to the upsurge of its use, cloud computing became mainstream.
 
This is when it became apparent that there needs to be a set of rules and regulations to protect and manage the data of businesses that used cloud platforms. That’s how Cloud Compliance Software was born!
 

The Process: How Does It Work?

 
Cloud Compliance Software includes all sorts of policies, commands, processes and technical protocols that protect and maintain the integrity of an enterprise's cloud infrastructure. It is used to protect cloud-based systems, data and other critical parts of the infrastructures. Cloud Compliance Software also enables one to make changes to the current rules that govern devices and data. It not only authenticates but also filters traffic that is connected to the cloud. Allow Bruce Wayne access to Gotham citizen’s database, yes. Allow The Joker access to Gotham PD’s criminal files, heck no!

Moreover, thanks to this tool, the workload is reduced as all of these functions can be handled in one location. The IT team can work across multiple projects and locations simultaneously using the Cloud Compliance Software’s centralized monitoring and management capabilities. Good news for Gotham’s IT folk!
 

The Laws That Govern Cloud Security


Cloud compliance refers to the vast set of regulations that organizations must follow when using cloud-based services. As the deployment of cloud computing grows, businesses must begin to examine their own compliance efforts and take steps to meet the required guidelines. This is why they need dedicated Cloud Compliance Software.

Keep reading to learn about the most important regulations that a Cloud Compliance Software helps comply with in today’s era of laws and regulations:
 
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

    The European Union has taken extreme action to rebuild its privacy rules to solve security compliance hurdles in the cloud infrastructure. They set up the new GDPR Laws to replace the EU Data Protection Directive of 1995. GDPR aims to control the activities of any organization working with the private details of EU residents. These guidelines, came into existence in May 2018, giving EU citizens more control of the data and creating a greater global standard for business.

  • Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

    Since its execution in 2002, FISMA has ruled the security protocols of entities within the US Federal Government. This law ensures that federal agencies protect their assets and resources by developing, incorporating and complying with an internal security plan. It identifies not only data handled by agencies but also the technological security of third-party companies such as cloud vendors.

  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

    It is a well-known regulatory body in charge of cloud regulations. This organization has developed numerous laws that regulate cloud computing applications based on recommendations and votes of an expert committee. One of its most broadly used ISO cloud requirements is ISO/IEC 27001:2013. ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 are two other ISO standards that establish dependable security protocols for cloud vendors and cloud users.

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

    Passed in 1996, it sets standards for the management and confidentiality of healthcare information (Protected Health Information or PHI). This law not only sets up clauses for PHI management but also necessitates the healthcare industry to notify security breaches. This law is only applicable in the US and contains a provision that assists healthcare entities in increasing the security of the cloud data records that they use daily. #StayHipWithHIPAA


With that out of the way, let’s see how staying “cloud compliant” benefits businesses – apart from keeping The Joker away from all your sensitive cloud information! #We’reJoking #WhySoSerious
 

The Benefits Of Cloud Compliance Software


Cloud Compliance Software is required for protecting the transfer, collection and backup of cloud data. While IT teams oversee the execution, other official departments may (rather, should) be involved in building not just a functional but a compliant process. This includes those responsible for decision-making, evaluation, governance, IT safety, data protection, etc.

Here’s what you get in return:
 
  • Security

    Many companies are worried about security when incorporating a cloud computing solution. After all, how can you be certain that files, programs and other data are secure if they are not kept securely on-site? For one thing, the job of a cloud compliance tool is to oversee security, which would be more effective than a traditional in-house system. Rather than dividing its efforts among the slew of IT concerns, this tool enables a transparent view of all cloud data and risks. While most businesses are reluctant to openly consider the potential of internal data breaches, the reality is that a strikingly high percentage of data thefts occur from inside and are perpetrated by employees.

  • Data Loss Prevention

    If your company does not invest in a cloud compliance solution, you risk losing all the data you've saved locally. However, with a cloud-based tool, the data you've uploaded to the cloud is secure and easily available from any device connected to the internet, even if your primary computer is inaccessible or there is a local breach.

  • Quality Control

    Few things impact a company’s growth as much as poor reporting consistency and low quality of data. All files in a cloud-based system are stored in a single location and can be managed via Cloud Compliance Software. Businesses can then preserve data integrity, avoid human errors and keep track of any updates and ensure all teams have access to the same information. Managing information in local data warehouses, on the contrary, can lead to various documents by with diluted data.

  • Supply Chain Security Risks

    Contractors, third-party vendors and work colleagues are responsible for several data breaches and privacy violations. To decrease these risks, the access levels of vendors, suppliers, and contractors must be regularly reviewed. Companies with third-party access to crucial corporate environments need compliance software to ensure no sensitive data is leaked or accessible to someone it should not be.

Knowing the perks is important, however, understanding the future impact is even more crucial. Read on to see the future of Cloud Compliance Software.
 

The Future Is Bright!

 
"Data is cash." This phrase has permeated corporate culture from Silicon Valley to Stockholm to Sydney over the last few decades. As we transition to a cloud-based world, companies that seek to gain a competitive edge must realize the critical aspect of securing and managing their cloud services – not just for today but even for the future growth of the business.
 
  • Edge Computing Integrations

    As the cloud grows, businesses will create site-specific data centers for processing and storage. This will minimize the burden of processing data in the cloud and transmitting it, while improving the deployment of various applications. By bringing data storage closer to the source, edge computing negates the delay associated with interacting with a central server. This will save network bandwidth and connect to the cloud only when required. We believe that the trend of Edge Computing will be vital as connected devices and IoT sensors soon connect to the cloud.

  • Cloud Hybridization

    Companies will benefit from well-integrated hybrid approaches in the future. They would be able to scale quicker because of the public cloud's agile and effective offerings, without compromising on the security and compliance that arrives with the private cloud. To keep up with the evolution of cloud technologies, 87 percent of businesses have already incorporated hybrid cloud techniques and the hybrid cloud sector is anticipated to expand to nearly $100 billion by 2023.


The cloud isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – hence, it will pay to be compliant of all the current regulations now rather than later. Businesses and agencies dealing with a complete cloud infrastructure to small-scale organizations that are just transitioning to the cloud, a Cloud Compliance Software is a must for all.
 

To Conclude...


Whether your organization uses a private or public cloud, numerous guidelines must be followed to ensure its compliance. Most cloud service providers have started understanding the importance of providing compliant services to their customers and are constantly looking for ways to improve their offerings.

Whatever type of cloud you choose, the data you migrate to it must adhere to all compliance regulations and guidelines. We’re just trying to keep you safe from The Joker hacking or exploiting your cloud systems. To stay ahead, think like Batman and invest in a Cloud Compliance Software now! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cloud Compliance Software?


Cloud Compliance Software refers to tools and systems designed to ensure that organizations adhere to industry standards and international regulations when it comes to managing and securing data in the cloud. These standards encompass various regulatory frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). For example, in sectors like healthcare, compliance with regulations like HIPAA is crucial for maintaining the security and privacy of patient data, whether it's stored in the cloud or on-premises. Cloud Compliance Software plays a vital role in helping organizations meet these compliance requirements and safeguard their data effectively.

How does Cloud Compliance Software work?


Cloud Compliance Software operates by implementing a range of policies, procedures, and technical protocols to protect and manage an organization's cloud infrastructure and data. These tools authenticate users, filter network traffic, and enforce security measures to ensure that cloud-based systems and data remain secure and compliant. Additionally, Cloud Compliance Software offers centralized monitoring and management capabilities, allowing IT teams to oversee multiple projects and locations simultaneously. By streamlining compliance processes and reducing manual workload, these tools help organizations maintain robust security standards across their cloud environments.

What are the laws governing cloud security?


Several laws and regulations govern cloud security and compliance, reflecting the growing importance of protecting sensitive data stored in the cloud. Some notable regulations include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which safeguards the privacy rights of European Union citizens and imposes strict requirements on organizations handling personal data. The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) sets security standards for federal agencies and their cloud service providers, ensuring the protection of government assets and resources. Additionally, standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) establish security protocols for cloud vendors and users, while the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates security measures for healthcare data in the United States. Compliance with these laws and regulations is essential for organizations using cloud services, underscoring the need for robust Cloud Compliance Software to facilitate adherence to these standards.

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