How Microsoft keeps cloud data secure
In the modern era of ever-evolving cyber threats, keeping your data secure is of paramount importance. This is particularly true of cloud environments, which businesses are increasingly adopting. Yet with data stored on remote servers rather than your own systems, it can be easy to take data security less seriously, and assume your cloud provider has it covered.
Microsoft’s cloud services – most notably Azure – are a popular choice for thousands of businesses across the world. But how secure is their cloud, and how safe is cloud computing in general? Can you trust Microsoft to keep your most important data safe – and what can you do on your end to help them out?
What is Microsoft Cloud?
The Microsoft Cloud is often thought about purely in terms of Azure, but in reality this is only one of many Microsoft cloud services. Microsoft Cloud includes the likes of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Security, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and more, all of which harness the power of its enormous global data centres.
The Microsoft Cloud consists of approximately 16 data centres across the world, all of which operate 24/7/365. These data centres contain many servers, which consist of banks of powerful computers with a large amount of storage space. These host data and run applications which can then be accessed online, and in the case of Azure, used as if you were using your own computer.
The Microsoft Cloud powers everything from Azure hosted applications and websites to your Microsoft 365 application licenses. Providing you have an internet connection and your login information, this means you can access any of these services at any time, and from any location. This is the major benefit of cloud computing for businesses – the ability to harness powerful computers from any location.
How Microsoft keeps cloud data secure
As is the case with all cloud providers, Microsoft realises the reputation that cloud services sometimes have – and the unique challenges of protecting cloud data. As such, the company has designed and built its data centres with various stringent security measures to ensure your data stays protected. These measures include user controls to prevent unauthorised access, active threat detection software to spot anomalies, and firewalls to block any unauthorised attempts to view data.
The strict security controls go both ways. Microsoft’s own staff cannot access the contents of your files due to these controls and the encryption of data on its servers. Physical access to data is also blocked through further measures, including security guards and locked server rooms. In an attempt to maintain security online, Microsoft includes multi-factor authentication with all its licenses. This pushes the user to use a one-time security code or fingerprint ID when they go to login on an unrecognised device.
Microsoft proudly trumpets its end-to-end protection for cloud services, spanning from product development to delivery. A partnership with GitHub allows cloud apps to be built and deployed using its Advanced Security licence. Microsoft Defender for Cloud then helps to secure the cloud environment, with both passive and active threat identification. Azure network security and permissions management meanwhile allow for complete control over who accesses what within the cloud.
Microsoft’s physical data centres are also built to be risk averse, meaning that in the event of an interruption (be that floods or power outages), you can be confident that your data will be unaffected. Microsoft’s data centres feature fire suppression systems, water sensors, and early fire detection to keep all your data safe and secure. In addition to this, your data is stored and cross-replicated to multiple locations, so there’s even a backup location to ensure you peace of mind in the event of a disaster.
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Microsoft has clearly demonstrated its commitment to ensuring first class security for its users with the measures discussed above. It should be no question that protecting data, apps, and infrastructure against quickly evolving cyber threats with Microsoft’s cloud security services is a great way to provide your business with peace of mind.
Get in touch with our expert team to discover more about the benefits of Microsoft 365, and how we can help you transition your business to the cloud.