The global cloud computing market is experiencing significant growth, with projections showing it will more than double in size from $546 billion to $1.2 trillion between 2022 and 2027. This impressive growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 18%. As an IT leader, it is crucial to understand the importance of cloud computing and its role in your organization’s strategy. Hybrid and multicloud environments offer flexibility and agility, allowing you to tailor cloud environments to meet specific needs and take advantage of cutting-edge services provided by cloud providers.
However, with this rapid growth comes challenges, particularly when it comes to data resilience. A recent study by Arcserve found that 43% of IT decision-makers wrongly believe that cloud providers are accountable for data stored in public clouds. In reality, there is a shared responsibility model, where cloud customers bear the responsibility for securing their data and workloads. This misconception is problematic, especially considering the increase in cyber attacks among those using the cloud for infrastructure as a service (IaaS), as reported by Sophos.
To address these challenges and enhance data resiliency in your cloud computing deployment, it is essential to take proactive steps. Here are five ways to enhance data resiliency:
1. Keep backup and disaster recovery plans current: Regularly review and update your backup and disaster recovery plans. Test these plans to ensure their efficacy when needed. Adhere to the 3-2-1-1 backup strategy, which involves keeping one backup in immutable storage that cannot be altered or deleted. Additionally, develop an incident response plan to swiftly detect, respond to, and recover from disruptions, whether they are security breaches or other unexpected events.
2. Incorporate redundancy and high availability: Building data resilience in cloud environments requires redundancy. Follow the 3-2-1-1 rule by backing up data in multiple locations, with one copy stored in an immutable format. Distributing workloads and backups across multiple locations mitigates risks and ensures high availability.
3. Strengthen cyber security and data protection: Combine cyber security and data protection into an integrated solution. Consider solutions like Arcserve Unified Data Protection (UDP) and Arcserve Cloud Hybrid, which incorporate Sophos Intercept X Advanced for Server to neutralize malware, exploits, and ransomware with AI-based endpoint protection. Regularly assess your cyber security and data protection efforts to identify vulnerabilities and stay ahead of evolving threats.
4. Implement monitoring and analytics: Consistent monitoring is essential for data resilience in highly available architectures. Invest in effective monitoring tools to gain insights into system performance, security threats, and potential anomalies. Utilize AI and machine learning to identify patterns and detect issues before they escalate, ultimately reducing downtime and data loss.
5. Seek expert guidance: Given the high likelihood of a cloud data disaster, it is valuable to consult experts who specialize in delivering data resiliency solutions. Arcserve, for example, offers IT guidance through technology partners. Reach out to experts like LOOPHOLD Security Distribution to explore how Arcserve solutions can enhance data resiliency across your cloud and on-premises infrastructures, including hybrid and multicloud environments.
In conclusion, as the cloud computing market continues to expand, it is crucial to prioritize data resilience in your cloud computing deployment. By understanding the shared responsibility model and implementing proactive measures, such as keeping backup plans current, incorporating redundancy, strengthening cyber security, implementing monitoring and analytics, and seeking expert guidance, you can enhance data resiliency and protect your organization’s critical assets in the cloud.