The Challenges of Public Virtual Hosting

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The Challenges of Public Virtual Hosting

Public virtual hosting is a web hosting service where multiple websites share a single server and its resources, including its IP address. Each website is assigned a unique domain name, which is used to differentiate it from other sites sharing the same server.

With public virtual hosting, the hosting company manages the server, including its maintenance and security, allowing website owners to focus on their content and business needs. This type of hosting is often a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses or individuals who do not require the resources of a dedicated server.

Certainly, while public virtual hosting can be a cost-effective and convenient option for many businesses, some challenges and drawbacks should be considered. In this blog, we’ll learn about them.

 

Moving to the cloud often becomes more expensive than originally expected. Why?

Public virtual hosting can be an affordable way for businesses to host their website or application, but there are some reasons why it can become expensive. Here are some of the most common reasons:

 

Resource Usage: Public virtual hosting plans typically have limits on the amount of resources you can use, such as CPU, RAM, and storage. If your website or application uses a lot of resources, you may need to upgrade to a more expensive plan that offers more resources.

 

Traffic: Public virtual hosting providers often charge based on the amount of traffic your website or application receives. If you experience a sudden increase in traffic, your hosting costs could go up unexpectedly.

 

Add-On Services: Hosting providers may offer additional services such as SSL certificates, backups, or domain registration, which can add to the overall cost of hosting.

 

Technical Support: Some hosting providers charge extra for technical support or only offer it as an add-on service. If you need technical support, you may need to pay extra for it.

 

 Upgrades: If you need to upgrade your hosting plan to get more resources or better performance, you may need to pay more than you expected.

 

Security: Some hosting providers charge extra for security features like firewalls or malware scanning. If you need these features, you may need to pay extra for them.

 

Renewals: Hosting providers may offer introductory pricing for new customers, but the price may go up significantly when you renew your plan.

 

There are also some surprise costs that most companies don’t expect when using public virtual hosting. Here are a few examples:The-Challenges-of-Public-Virtual-Hosting-16-March-Middle

 

Overages: If you exceed the resource limits of your hosting plan, you may be charged for overages. This can be especially expensive if you don’t monitor your resource usage closely.

 

Migration: If you need to migrate your website or application to a new hosting provider, there may be costs associated with the migration, such as hiring a developer to help with the migration or paying for a migration tool.

 

Downtime: If your website or application experiences downtime due to server issues or maintenance, it can be costly in terms of lost revenue or customer trust.

 

Bandwidth overages: If your website or application uses a lot of bandwidth, you may be charged for overages. This can be especially expensive if you serve a lot of media files or have high traffic volumes.

 

Hidden Fees: Some hosting providers may have hidden fees that take time to be obvious when you sign up for a plan. For example, you may be charged for backups or access to the control panel.

 

To avoid these surprising costs, it’s important to carefully review the hosting provider’s pricing and terms of service before signing up for a plan. You should also monitor your resource usage closely and be aware of any potential overages or additional fees.

 

Public virtual hosting can be a cost-effective option for businesses, but there are some reasons why it can become expensive. Resource usage, traffic, add-on services, technical support, upgrades, and security are all factors that can contribute to the overall cost of hosting. Additionally, there are some surprise costs that most companies don’t expect, such as overages, migration costs, downtime, bandwidth overages, and hidden fees. By being aware of these costs and monitoring your resource usage closely, you can minimize your hosting expenses and avoid unexpected surprises.

Introduction to Hyperscale Edge Computing

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An Introduction to Hyperscale Edge Computing

As technology advances, so do the challenges of keeping up with the ever-changing landscape. One of the most significant advancements in this space is the emergence of hyper-scale edge computing. But what is hyper-scale edge computing, and how exactly does it differ from cloud computing? Let’s explore the basics of hyper-scale edge computing, its benefits, and the trends that are shaping the future of this technology.

 

What is Edge Computing?

The main goal of Edge Computing technology is to handle the massive amounts of data generated or consumed by people and devices as close to the data resources as feasible (either on the device itself or the network edge). With this basis, edge computing addresses several infrastructure issues, including excessive latency, bandwidth restrictions, and network congestion caused by the old computer approach.

Now, Hyperscale Edge Computing refers to deploying large-scale computing resources, such as servers and storage, at the edge of a network, closer to end users and devices. This allows for faster processing of data, reduced latency, and improved performance for applications that require real-time processing or low-latency communication. It is often used in manufacturing, transportation, media, and entertainment industries, where data needs to be processed quickly and locally.

 

Benefits of Hyperscale Edge Computing

There are many benefits of using Hyperscale Edge Computing but here are just a few of the major ones:

Increased Performance: It provides a more efficient computing experience due to its decentralized nature. Processing data at the point of origin eliminates the need to send data back and forth between a centralized server and the user’s device, resulting in faster response times and improved performance.

Improved Scalability: Hyperscale Edge Computing is highly scalable, allowing companies to expand their computing resources as needed. This makes it ideal for companies looking to scale their operations rapidly.

Reduced Costs: By leveraging edge computing, companies can reduce their reliance on costly data centers, resulting in significant cost savings.

Improved Security: By processing data at the point of origin, Hyperscale Edge Computing offers enhanced security compared to traditional cloud computing. Data is not stored in a centralized server, making it more difficult for malicious actors to access it.

 

Hyperscale Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing

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Hyperscale Edge Computing and Cloud Computing are both forms of distributed computing that use a network of remote servers to store, manage, and process data.

Here are some key differences between them:

Location: Cloud Computing typically uses centralized data centers far from the end-users and devices accessing the data. Hyperscale Edge Computing involves deploying large-scale computing resources at the edge of a network, closer to the end-users and devices.

Latency: Because Hyperscale Edge Computing is closer to the end-users and devices, it can offer lower latency and faster processing times compared to Cloud Computing. This is particularly important for applications that require real-time processing or low-latency communication.

Scale: Hyperscale Edge Computing typically involves the deployment of smaller clusters of servers and storage, whereas Cloud Computing often involves using large data centers with thousands of servers.

Cost: The cost of Hyperscale Edge Computing can be higher than Cloud Computing because it requires more investment in hardware and infrastructure.

Use Case: Cloud computing is more suited for applications that require a large number of resources, data analytics, and machine learning. On the other hand, Hyperscale Edge Computing is more suited for applications that require low latency and real-time processing, such as IoT, VR/AR, and 5G.

In summary, while both Hyperscale Edge and Cloud Computing are forms of distributed computing, they both have different use cases, and the choice between the two would depend on the application’s specific requirements or workload.

 

Hyperscale Edge Computing Trends

As the popularity of Hyperscale Edge Computing grows, several trends are shaping this technology’s future.

One of the significant trends is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can be used to improve the efficiency of edge computing and make it simpler to use. For example, AI can automate the process of managing an edge computing infrastructure, resulting in improved performance and cost savings.

Another trend is the increased focus on security. Edge computing provides improved security compared to cloud computing, but there is still a need to ensure that data is secure. Companies are investing in solutions that can help protect data and ensure its security.

Finally, companies are leveraging Hyperscale Edge Computing to reduce their reliance on traditional data centers. By utilizing edge computing, companies can reduce their dependence on costly data centers while gaining access to the computational power they need.

 

Conclusion

Edge computing is an emerging technology that offers several benefits, including increased performance, improved scalability, reduced costs, and improved security. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to process data quickly and securely.

Protected Harbor offers a range of services and products designed to help organizations take full advantage of the benefits of edge computing. Our solutions are tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs and are built on the latest technologies and industry best practices.

Our team of experts has extensive experience in deploying and managing edge computing solutions for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, education, and healthcare. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest service and support and are committed to helping them achieve their business goals.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the many benefits of edge computing, contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, reduce latency, or gain a competitive edge, we have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals.

Let’s work together to unlock your data and business’s full potential.

The 6 Best Cloud Solutions for Nonprofits to Save Money

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The 6 Best Cloud Solutions for Nonprofits to Save Money

Aside from mission awareness and meeting your non-profit organization’s goals, staying under budget is undoubtedly one of your organization’s most challenging but necessary requirements. Without having to worry about purchasing and maintaining its servers, a nonprofit can use cloud storage to store and access all of its data, some of which may be sensitive. Regarding file sharing, cloud solutions for nonprofits ensures that even remote volunteers have the same access as those in the office.

But, as previously said, nonprofits often need help finding ways to lower and maintain their bottom line. By using a cloud-based solution rather than in-house servers, nonprofits will access more affordable solutions than those offered by larger companies.

Below, we will be discussing six of the best cloud solutions for nonprofits and how they can help you save money.

 

Top Cloud Storage Solutions for Non-Profits

Though there are several cloud storage solutions, it’s essential to understand what each one offers before deciding on which is suitable for your organization.

Public Cloud: Google for Non-Profits

Public cloud storage is an excellent option for non-profits because it’s easy to set up and maintain. No servers or IT personnel are required on your end, so you can focus on your mission instead of managing all those technical details. Public cloud services also offer built-in security features such as encryption and authentication.

Google has been offering its Cloud Storage product for years, and it’s the most popular cloud storage service on the web. The service offers unlimited space for photos and videos at zero cost, plus you can use Google Drive to store your documents and spreadsheets.

Features

  • Free Space Up to 30GB
  • Superb Compatibility
  • Several Storage Capabilities

Private Cloud – Protected Harbor

Private clouds offer non-profits the most secure and reliable form of cloud storage. They are hosted on private servers in data centers that are more stable than public clouds.

Businesses can turn to Protected Harbor to get the benefits of cloud computing without putting critical information at risk. As the name suggests, a private cloud is a cloud in which only one company can protect its proprietary data. As a result, only selected individuals, as opposed to everyone, have access to the data.

Features

  • Cutting-Edge Cloud Migration Services
  • Increase Your Return on Investment.
  • Foresee and Avert Any Problems

Online Backups – IDriveThe-6-Best-Cloud-Solutions-for-Non-Profits-to-Save-Money-20-Feb-Middle-image

Online backups are a great way to protect your computer and its data. Unfortunately, they’re only easy to use in some instances. That’s where cloud storage comes in.

The only provider on our list that isn’t a cloud storage service is IDrive, an online backup platform (more on the differences between the two below). IDrive, however, incorporates a cloud storage service with all the usual fixings, including file synchronization and sharing.

Users can access up to 100TB of combined storage space. If you’re interested in trying IDrive before making a total financial commitment, they have a free, 10-gigabyte version available to try.

Features

  • Unlimited File Sharing and Syncing
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Zero-Knowledge Encryption
  • Single Sign-On Features
  • Mobile Apps for Android and iOS Devices

Hybrid Collaboration – Protected Desktop

When you choose hybrid collaboration for cloud storage, your data is stored in two separate places: on-premises and offsite. You have complete control over where your data lives and how it’s backed up.

Protected Desktop is an excellent choice for any non-profit looking for a hybrid collaboration to store their files and data. The company offers unlimited storage space at no extra charge and has an easy-to-use interface that makes it great for both beginners and advanced users.

Features

  • Desktop as a Service
  • Provides Support, Monitoring, and Backups
  • Ransomware Protection
  • Application Outage Protection

Fundraising Tools – Aplos

Nonprofit organizations have a lot to keep track of, and one of the most important things is staying on top of their donors. Tracking how much money an organization has raised or how much they’ll need in the future can take a lot of time and effort, that’s where Aplos comes in.

Aplos is a free cloud-based software suite for non-profits that provides fundraising, accounting, membership management, and more helpful tools.

Features

  • Donation Tracking
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Budgeting/Forecasting
  • Financial Management
  • Accounts Receivable

 

Resource Planning – Envisio

As a nonprofit, you have many needs but limited resources. Choosing the right cloud storage solution is critical to your organization’s success.

Envisio is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered planning application that makes it simple to build a framework and generate aesthetically appealing reports as a part of the strategic planning process.

Features

  • Ad Hoc Reporting
  • Alerts/Notifications
  • Charting
  • Chat/Messaging
  • Collaboration Tools

Final Words

There is no doubt that cloud solutions have become a necessity in business. Many companies have found tremendous value in moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud to save money and gain efficiency. These same benefits apply to non-profit organizations, and although there are many free options for small businesses, larger non-profits can still benefit from enterprise-level cloud solutions. Non-profits are making great strides to save money and stay within their budget. Cloud services have become a tremendous tool in their arsenal.

There are numerous services available for non-profits at a variety of price points. The trick is to match your specific needs with your budget—something a professional like Protected Harbor can help you with. Talk to the experts and get the perfect advice for a cloud storage solution that best fits your non-profit. Contact our team today!

Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

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Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

As we enter 2023, many businesses are turning their gaze to the horizon to look at the future of cloud technology. The cloud has made immense strides in the past few years, and it is poised to make even more progress in the near future. A few cloud technologies will likely be the focus of attention in 2023, and it is essential to understand what these are and how they will affect businesses. This blog post will discuss the leading cloud technologies and trends to watch out for in 2023.

 

Introduction to Cloud Technologies

Cloud technology has become an integral part of modern business operations, providing businesses with previously unavailable benefits. By leveraging the power of cloud computing, companies can access greater computing resources, store vast quantities of data, and grow their operations in ways that were never possible before. It is no surprise that cloud technology is becoming increasingly widespread and is expected to reach even further in 2023.

 

What is Cloud Computing?

Before discussing the leading cloud technologies and trends to watch out for in 2023, it is important to understand cloud computing and why it is valuable. Cloud computing is storing and accessing data and applications over the internet, allowing businesses to access them whenever and wherever they are needed. This “on-demand” access to resources is one of the main benefits of cloud computing, as it allows businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions.

Thanks to cloud computing, businesses can access vast resources and store large amounts of data without investing in expensive hardware and software. This allows companies to scale up their operations quickly and efficiently while reducing costs. Cloud is also very secure, as data is stored in secure data centers and is backed up regularly.

 

Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Now that we better understand cloud computing and its benefits, let’s look at the leading cloud technologies to watch out for in 2023.

 

Top-Cloud-Technologies-to-Look-Out-for-in-2023 MiddleArtificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration

One of the biggest trends in cloud technology for 2023 is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By leveraging these technologies, businesses can gain valuable insights into their data, allowing them to make more informed decisions and optimize their operations. AI and ML can also automate tasks and processes, saving time and resources for more critical tasks.

Integrating AI and ML with cloud computing is expected to become even more widespread in 2023, with more businesses taking advantage of these technology’s benefits. This will also increase the number of cloud-based AI and ML services, allowing companies to access these powerful technologies without investing in expensive hardware and software.

 

Hybrid Cloud Solutions Will Soar

Another trend to watch out for in 2023 is the rise of hybrid cloud solutions. A hybrid cloud is a combination of public and private cloud solutions, allowing businesses to take advantage of the scalability and cost-efficiency of public cloud solutions while also being able to access the more secure and reliable environment of private cloud solutions.

The hybrid cloud is expected to become even more popular in 2023 as businesses look to take advantage of the benefits of both public and private cloud solutions. This trend will also increase the number of hybrid cloud solutions, allowing companies to access the best of both worlds.

 

Cloud Cost Optimization

Companies are keen to employ cloud computing; thus, there is a continuing need to reduce costs for these services. Cloud service providers will put more effort into developing business-friendly solutions that offer increased productivity and better resource availability. These enhanced client resources will aid in the optimization of cloud-based workloads and guarantee a profitable investment.

There are several strategies businesses can use for cloud cost optimization, such as using cloud cost management tools, optimizing their cloud usage, and optimizing their cloud storage. By leveraging these strategies, businesses can reduce cloud costs without sacrificing performance or security.

 

Sustainability and More Cloud Adoption

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to businesses all around the world. Most organizations know that cutting back on the energy used by infrastructure services, computer engines, and more extensive storage needs will help them transition to sustainability. Most IT behemoths will use 2023 to identify creative cloud solutions to reach carbon neutrality.

As businesses become more conscious of their environmental impact, they increasingly turn to cloud-based solutions to reduce their carbon footprints. Cloud computing is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to store and access data and applications.

The increased adoption of cloud services is expected to drive further innovation in cloud technology, allowing businesses to access even more powerful and cost-effective solutions.

 

Cloud Security and Resilience

Cloud migration offers ample opportunities, efficiency, and convenience and exposes businesses and organizations to a new set of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the possibility of fines or, even worse, losing the trust of their clients is a serious issue because of the rising body of legislation governing how businesses can hold and use personal data.

Spending on cyber security and increasing resilience against anything from data loss to the effects of a pandemic on international trade will thus take on even greater importance in the upcoming year. The emphasis will likely be on finding creative and economical ways to maintain cyber security, nevertheless, to get the most “bang for the buck” as many organizations attempt to cut costs in the face of a predicted economic slump. In 2023, this will translate into increased use of managed “security-as-a-service” providers and AI and predictive technology to identify dangers before they cause issues.

 

Conclusion

The cloud is expected to have an impact in 2023 significantly, and there are a few cloud technologies to watch out for. Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, hybrid cloud solutions, cloud cost optimization, sustainability, more cloud adoption, and cloud security and resilience are all expected to be significant trends in 2023.

Protected Harbor assists you in putting your cloud strategy into place by using a systematic, risk-mitigated method. Your cloud-enabled business transformation initiatives will benefit from Protected Harbor’s tool-based framework. Get cloud support and cloud migration help from our experts today.

Our experts at Protected Harbor are standing by to assist you in all your cloud-related needs. We provide comprehensive cloud support and migration, helping our clients easily create a successful cloud strategy. Our services have helped countless businesses improve operational efficiency and reduce costs by making the transition to the cloud smoother and more seamless. Get cloud support and cloud migration help from our experts today, and let us help you achieve your goals!

How Can You Prevent Cloud Misconfiguration and What Is It?

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What is Cloud Misconfiguration and How Can You Avoid It?

The increased usage of the cloud, intended to promote company agility and resilience, has recently increased cyber risks. It does not follow, however, that choosing to adopt cloud-based-hosted environments automatically increases an organization’s vulnerability to a cyberattack. Because specific security solutions aren’t designed to secure cloud-hosted environments, securing a cloud environment requires a different security strategy than securing on-premises infrastructures.

IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service) solutions are becoming increasingly popular among businesses for their IT operations. According to Gartner, by 2022, double the number of corporate entities using cloud-managed products 2018 will be using them.

According to the NSA, cloud misconfiguration is the most significant vulnerability in a cloud security environment. Although these risks are frequently modest in sophistication, the occurrence of cloud misconfiguration problems is typically through the sky. In other words, 99% of businesses will have cloud misconfigurations that they are entirely unaware of.

What is Cloud Misconfiguration?

Any flaws, defects, or holes in your cloud setup that could put you in danger are called cloud misconfiguration. This cloud security risk may manifest as insider threats, cloud breaches, data breaches, insider threats, or bad external actors who use your network’s weaknesses to their advantage. This serious compliance risk might appear in a variety of ways, including:

  • Granting public access to storage buckets;
  • Unknowingly disclosing unencrypted data to the public internet without the necessary authentication in place;
  • Improper network functionality generation;
  • Exposing data saved in the cloud to all system users and storing encryption keys and passwords in publicly accessible repositories.

It can be either malicious or accidental.

  • Malicious cloud misconfiguration is when someone deliberately sets up their cloud server to access someone else’s product or data. This is often done by hackers who want to steal information or even cause physical harm.
  • Accidental cloud misconfiguration happens when a company puts its information on public clouds and does not secure it properly. This can happen because a company doesn’t understand its responsibilities in this respect or anticipate how much work would be required to ensure its data once it is moved into the cloud.

Leading Causes of Misconfigured Cloud Infrastructures

Most misconfigurations are caused by human error and elements like overly complicated infrastructure or inadequate knowledge of security procedures.

Malicious Insiders

While it is difficult to know who is responsible for a breach, the most common culprits are malicious insiders who have gained access to user credentials and have tried to use them to launch attacks on the cloud environment. As a result, users are often forced to change their passwords or reset their accounts’ entire passwords.

Denial of Service Attacks (DoS)

A denial of service attack occurs when an attacker tries to overload a system with data requests so that it cannot service legitimate requests from users or other applications. This can result in lost productivity, disrupted operations, and an inability to process payments, which can cause financial losses for companies with cloud-based eCommerce platforms.

Overly Complex Infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure typically consists of multiple components such as servers, storage systems, networks, and firewalls that work together to provide cloud services across various geographic locations worldwide. IT professionals may become susceptible to attack by hackers or malware distributors seeking entry into company systems when these components are not correctly configured or managed by IT professionals.

Unauthorized Access

An unauthorized individual can access your cloud infrastructure and wreak havoc on the AWS environment. In the case of a malicious actor, the consequences can be devastating to business operations, financial security, or even human lives.

Insufficient Understanding of Security

When creating and managing apps and infrastructure, the majority of developers and DevOps teams do not place a high priority on security. These teams primarily concentrate on ensuring that services perform properly and offer users functionality.

When selecting members for your development team, consider security. Ensure they comprehend crucial ideas like application hardening, least privilege, and encryption at rest.

what is cloud misconfiguration middleHow to Avoid Cloud Misconfiguration?

Here are some tips to avoid cloud misconfiguration:

Implement Log Tracking

The first step to avoiding cloud misconfiguration is to implement logging and monitoring. When a cloud service is misconfigured, it’s often difficult to identify what exactly went wrong. The best way to catch this type of issue is by using a detailed logging and monitoring system. You can determine the root cause of any misconfiguration incidents by tracking changes.

Add Layered Security

Layer testing is another way to prevent cloud misconfiguration issues. Layer testing involves placing multiple checks on your application before deploying it in production. For example, if you are deploying an application that requires authentication, you will use one layer of testing for authentication and another layer for authorization. This way, if something goes wrong during authentication, it does not affect approval.

Automate Configuration and Security Checks

Automation is an integral part of cloud security. A data breach can occur if the same settings are used in multiple environments. Automating the deployment of your infrastructure helps you eliminate this risk.

Simplify Your Environments

If you have multiple environments for your applications, then it’s essential to simplify them as much as possible. This is because every domain has different requirements and limitations. For example, if you have an internal production environment and an external staging environment, having two separate configurations will complicate things further down the line.

Document Everything

If you’re using cloud-based services, then they will require your information. So, ensure you have all the documentation ready before moving to the next step. This will help you in case of an issue with your service or a security breach.

Scan for Vulnerabilities

A scan will check whether your server has known security issues that could allow hackers to access it. If there are any vulnerabilities, ensure you fix them as soon as possible by following best practices such as patching software, updating third-party libraries, or installing anti-virus software on your server.

Adopt a DevSecOps Culture

The process of development and deployment has long neglected security. A DevSecOps culture is created by combining awareness and attention to growth, safety, and operations. This culture makes incorporating security as a crucial component of application design and development more accessible.

It helps to build security into your application’s framework to have competent security resources on your design and development teams. Avoiding issues in the first place will prevent the hassle of dealing with them afterward.

Conclusion

Misconfiguration issues are ultimately nothing new; they have moved to the cloud with the applications. Your organization’s ability to lower its cyber risk and the likelihood of being a victim of a cloud-misconfiguration-based breach will improve the more cloud security automation you can deploy in combination with human-backed services. Managing your security threats inside your expanding list of cloud services is crucial as cloud usage keeps accelerating. A significant data leak can result from a single configuration error.

An automated solution like Protected Harbor can help you reduce your attack surface and control third-party cloud exposures through real-time monitoring and optimized remediation workflows. We help businesses and enterprises protect their data and assets by offering cloud configuration solutions. We offer a full range of cloud services, including infrastructure, platform, and software solutions. With a team of certified engineers and consultants, we help enterprises and businesses migrate, transform, and digitize their critical business processes. We work with our clients to understand their business requirements, design the best architecture, and execute the project with utmost care. We are a team of professionals who believe in integrity, honesty, and hard work.

With our solutions, you can focus on what matters most to your business. Contact us today to learn about cloud migration and configuration.

The Top 5 Risks of Cloud Migration

the top 5 risks of cloud migration

 

The Top 5 Risks of Cloud Migration

When it comes to cloud migration, there are plenty of risks involved. Every business considering migrating its IT infrastructure from a traditional data center to a public cloud must identify potential obstacles. After all, it’s not an easy transition, even with the many tools and resources available. A study by New Voice Media found that only 14 percent of companies that had begun transitioning to the cloud completed the process successfully. This means businesses have plenty of opportunities to get things right the first time. With so much information available about how and why companies should migrate their IT infrastructure to the cloud, it’s essential to understand which risks need addressing first.

When deciding about cloud migration, one of the first things to remember is the risk involved with the process. There are many different types of risk, ranging from financial to technical. In this blog, we’ll learn the top 5 risks of cloud migration and how to mitigate them.

 

Cloud Migration is Only the Beginning

When companies approach the decision to migrate to the cloud, they often make the mistake of thinking it will solve all of their problems. The most significant risk is that businesses assume they can put off addressing the issues they face today by migrating tomorrow. In reality, migration is only the beginning of a new set of challenges that businesses will need to overcome to ensure their data remains safe and secure in the long term. If a company has a poor security system today, it will have a flawed one tomorrow, regardless of whether the data is hosted on-premises or in the cloud. This is why migration should be seen as a way to improve the business environment rather than just a quick fix to a single issue.

Why is Security in the Cloud a Challenge?

Migration to the cloud should be considered a long-term investment, not a short-term solution. However, the fact that most organizations are new to the cloud makes it difficult for them to know what to expect. Often, businesses don’t fully understand the risk associated with, and the potential impact cloud migration could have on their business. Of course, security is the biggest challenge of all. Public cloud data centers are designed for maximum scalability and flexibility, so companies don’t have the same level of control and visibility as they do with their own data centers. Even if a business uses a managed cloud provider, it still has to ensure it applies the proper security measures to keep its data safe.

The-Top-5-Risks-of-Cloud-Migration middleData Theft Causes Unauthorized Access

Data theft is a common problem with traditional infrastructure. If a company fails to protect its data, unauthorized access is always a risk. Businesses are no longer in control when that data is migrated to the cloud. When migrating to the cloud, companies often store their data in a third-party facility. This creates a single point of failure; if hackers breach security, they will have access to all the data. This can include all types of information, including personally identifiable and sensitive client information. If this data is stolen and isn’t encrypted, it can be used for malicious purposes, including identity theft and financial fraud. The potential economic impact on a business can be huge.

Third-Party Product Comes with Security Risks

Third-party products are needed in every aspect of the business. However, they present certain security risks. For example, a third-party VPN device could be easy for hackers to compromise. When migrating to the cloud, it is crucial to understand the security level of third-party products and services. Businesses must make sure the service provider uses a secure VPN connection when outsourcing. They should also consider hiring a third-party provider with a secure data center.

Hackers Can Compromise Vulnerable VPN Devices

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, provide a secure connection that keeps your internet data hidden from hackers and enables companies to safeguard their private cloud resources. Many cloud apps require a VPN to transport data from on-premises systems to the cloud. Although they are often bidirectional, VPNs are set up to only work in one direction. This frequently exposes your business to a cloud service provider attack. When hackers break into a VPN device, they can access the data transmitted between a remote user and the data center. This can result in data loss, stolen information, and financial losses.

Accidental Exposure of User Credentials

Cybercriminals typically use cloud apps as a cover in their phishing assaults.  Due to the widespread usage of cloud-based communications and document-sharing services, employees are used to getting emails with links requesting them to validate their credentials before accessing a particular site or document.

Businesses often collect user credentials on the premises, such as passwords and usernames. However, when these credentials are migrated to the cloud, they are stored the same way as the other data. If hackers can access this information, it can result in a severe security breach. If the credentials are stored in plain text, hackers will be able to see them. This is one of the most common ways for hackers to access secure data. A fast and secure migration process involves encrypting the user credentials. However, some companies don’t make this a priority.

Lack of Secure API

An API is essential for connecting different business components, including CRM and billing systems. If a company doesn’t put security at the forefront when designing its API, it can pose a significant risk to the business. When creating an API, it is crucial to understand the security requirements. This includes authentication, authorization, and session management. If a company overlooks any of these requirements, it can result in a severe breach of security. Hackers can access sensitive data in the cloud if the API is easy to compromise. The Facebook-Cambridge Analytical Scandal, which gave Cambridge Analytica access to user data, is the most common example of an insecure API.

Conclusion

Moving to the cloud can be your business’s best course of action. Before going further, be sure you have a clear cloud migration strategy and are aware of the dangers associated with potential incompatibilities with the current architecture, security threats, and reduced visibility and control. Additionally, make every effort to prevent data loss, incomplete data deletion, excessive spending, and additional latency. Cloud migration might benefit your company if you can avoid these problems.

If you are considering moving your business to the cloud, you might have concerns about data security and the potential for downtime that could impact your customers. With Protected Harbor, you can rest assured that your data will be secure and available whenever needed. Our engineers are certified by every primary cloud provider, and our team members are dedicated to your business’s success. We are rated as one of the top cloud computing companies in the US by Goodfirms.

With our help, you can start enjoying the benefits of the cloud sooner rather than later. Contact our cloud migration expert today.

Understanding Cyber Attacks in The Cloud

Understanding Cyber Attacks in The Cloud

In today’s world of rapidly advancing technology, the need for understanding cyber-attacks in the cloud is paramount. Cloud computing has revolutionized how we store and access data, allowing faster and more efficient workflows and collaborations. However, it has also created a new avenue for cybercriminals, who can target cloud-based systems with sophisticated attacks. As such, organizations need to understand the various types of cyber-attacks that can occur in the cloud and develop strategies to protect against them.

Welcome to another episode of Uptime with Richard Luna! We are thrilled to have you with us. We explain best practices, highlight critical issues in the current threat landscape, and provide guidance on how to keep safe and secure online. This blog will overview the different types of cyber-attacks in the cloud and discuss what organizations can do to safeguard their data and systems.

 

Types of Cyber Attacks in the Cloud

There are several types of cyber-attacks in the cloud, including Denial of Service (DoS), Data breaches, Digital extortion, Viral infections, Theft of data, and Access control attacks. Let’s take a closer look at each attack to understand better the risks involved.

  • DoS attacks occur when a hacker floods a website with so many requests that the site cannot keep up with the load and goes offline. A hacker who wants to take down a website may use a DoS attack. This type of attack can be launched against websites that are hosted in the cloud, as well as on-premise systems.
  • Data breaches occur when a hacker is able to gain access to sensitive data stored on cloud systems. A data breach can occur through various attack vectors, such as malicious code, malicious insiders, and improperly configured security systems.
  • Digital extortion involves hackers obtaining access to sensitive data and threatening to publish it on the internet or sell it to others if a ransom is not paid. While this type of attack can occur on-premise and in the cloud, it is more common in cloud environments due to the lower barriers to entry.
  • Viral infections occur when a hacker uploads malicious code to a cloud service, such as a file storage system, and others unknowingly download and distribute the code. This attack can spread quickly as others download and upload the infected files, creating a viral infection.
  • Thieves can steal data from a cloud system by hacking into the system or by tricking users into downloading malicious code or applications that steal data.
  • Access control attacks often work around or bypass access control measures to steal data or user credentials. Malicious actors can easily bypass access control by logging in as authorized users and using their resources after obtaining the latter.

 

Strategies for Protecting Against Cyber Attacks in the Cloud

Given the different types of cyber-attacks in the cloud outlined above, it is clear that organizations must employ a comprehensive security strategy when using cloud-based systems. It is important to note that no single security strategy will completely protect against cyber-attacks. It is necessary to employ a multi-layered approach that includes a combination of security tools and processes, such as the following.

  • Strong passwords are essential to any security strategy, particularly in cloud environments where accounts are shared across different organizations and individuals. Follow these password best practices to create strong, secure passwords for all cloud accounts.
  • Two-factor authentication is another critical part of any security strategy. This feature requires users to enter a password and perform an additional verification step, such as entering a PIN or scanning a unique barcode with a smartphone. Two-factor authentication provides a significant additional layer of security against cyber-attacks by requiring two forms of authentication.
  • Firewalls provide an important layer of security between an organization’s network and the internet. This centralized system can be configured to block or allow specific data packets based on their destinations and types.
  • Encryption – Organizations should use encryption for all sensitive data to prevent hackers from accessing it and can breach a system. SSL/TLS certificates are a common form of encryption used by cloud computing providers to secure data between a user’s computer and a website.
  • Data audits are essential to any security strategy, particularly in cloud environments where users’ data is stored and shared across different organizations and individuals. Make sure to conduct regular data audits to identify potential security risks and find ways to mitigate them.

 

Final Words

In conclusion, cyber-attacks in the cloud are a significant threat that organizations must be prepared to defend against. By following the above best practices, organizations can better protect against cyber-attacks in the cloud and keep sensitive data safe.

Protected Harbor offers enterprise-grade hosting, 24/7 monitoring, and high availability to keep your business online. Our data centers are U.S.-based SOC 2 certified to meet the strictest data security requirements. Our expert engineers work around the clock to keep your data safe. Our private clouds are designed to provide secure, reliable hosting of virtualized corporate data and applications. Private cloud hosting is scalable and offers high availability. It also enables data backup and recovery, as well as system redundancy.

Protected Harbor’s mission is to make hosting your business online as simple and secure as possible. Sign up now to try our services risk-free.

Is the Cloud Answer to Everything?

Is the Cloud Answer to Everything?

The cloud is a popular topic, with big and small organizations looking at cloud solutions to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate new projects. A recent survey found that 66% of businesses currently use the cloud in some capacity. But is it the answer to everything? Is the cloud the best option for your business? The quick answer is No! – but there’s more to it than that. Read on to find out if the cloud is right for you and your business or if another solution might suit you better.

We are excited to bring you another much-requested video on our series Uptime with Richard Luna. We are discussing Cloud and Is the Cloud answer all your problems. Watch the video to understand it in detail.

 

Why the Cloud is Such a Big Deal

If you think back to when you were a child, the internet probably wouldn’t have even been on your radar. It’s only been around for a few decades, so it’s not surprising that it’s still such a new concept, even though it’s become a massive part of our daily lives. When you hear the word cloud, what do you think? Most people think of a massive server that holds all the data for an organization, storing it in a remote location. This is an oversimplification, but it gets the point across. As a business owner, you need to know what the cloud means and what it could mean for your organization.

 

Is the Cloud Right for You?

Whether or not the cloud is right for you depends on your business, your needs, and how it aligns with your goals and vision for the future. If you’re unsure if the cloud is the right solution, consider the following questions: Is your organization ready for a significant change or transformation? Do you have a reliable and secure internet connection? Does your organization have a substantial amount of data? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, the cloud might be your ideal solution.

 

What Else Should You Be Considering?

While the cloud may be a good fit for your business, there are a few other things you may want to consider before making a decision. What are your security needs? If you’re storing data remotely, you must be confident that it’s secure. Being compliant with government regulations like HIPAA and GDPR is another critical factor. Finally, you’ll also want to consider your budget and ROI. If you don’t have the budget to use a cloud-based solution, you might want to look at other options.

 

Summary

The cloud is a popular solution for many businesses, but it isn’t the best solution for everyone. No single technology or vendor can be the answer to everything. Cloud providers are trying to solve different problems at different scales. As with any technology, the cloud has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to understand these before making any decisions.

There are many Cloud service providers in the US. Among all, Protected Harbor was one of the top Cloud service providers in the US. Our cloud services include AWS Migration, Office 365 Migration, Google Cloud Migration, Hybrid Cloud, Private Cloud, and Dedicated Cloud Infrastructure.

If you’re still unsure about the Cloud or its features, contact one of our experts immediately. They’ll recommend the best-suited strategy for your business. We are also giving away a free IT Audit to help the company identify its weak points. Keep watching the video for more.

GoodFirm.co Recognizes Protected Harbor as a Top Cloud Computing Company

GoodFirm.co Recognizes Protected Harbor banner

 

GoodFirms.co Recognizes Protected Harbor as a Top Cloud Computing Company

 

goodfirms logo

Today, Protected Harbor was recognized by GoodFirms, a leading review platform for software and service providers, as one of the Top Cloud Computing Companies in the United States.

GoodFirms is a revolutionary research and review platform with a worldwide database of software service providers. To link service providers and their relevant customers, GoodFirms analyses the company on three crucial parameters: Quality, Reliability, and Ability. Customer reviews and published interview articles are also considered for the evaluation process.

Here is what GoodFirms’ Anna Stark had to say about Protected Harbor’s IT Support and Cloud Computing Solutions:

Started in 2009, Protected Harbor delivers technology stability and durability for organizations, resulting in flawless operations of desktops, data centers, and applications. The company implements a Technology Improvement Plan (TIP) that involves industry best practices to resolve issues. The TIP offers protection with the help of unique Application Outage Avoidance (AOA) technology and support from the Support Resolution Team.

Interestingly, Protected Harbor works with organizations to solve more complex problems and be more responsive. The company focuses on direct end-user support while assuring that the company’s back-end operations like web servers and computer networking run effortlessly.

The team strives hard to resolve issues before they become problems, enabling organizations not to be worried about the technology. The company aims to turn technology back into a benefit and not a cost center. The team finds long-term solutions that help clients focus on their business processes. The clients can have reliable, durable, and secure business technology solutions with Protected Harbor.

Indeed, the Protected Harbor guard businesses and their IT operations from attacks, whether known or unknown, that include Ransomware, Malware, Viruses, and Phishing. The customers can efficiently make their business IT strong and keep their business protected and safe from ransomware attacks, viruses, useless subscriptions, phishing attacks, and end-user problems with Protected Harbour.

 

Protected Harbor aims to ensure clients achieve optimal technological productivity. The company treats clients as partners and thoughtfully listens to the client’s business and technology issues, and delivers technology solutions tailored to the client’s business requirements.

Protected Harbor offers a wide range of secure colocation solutions for healthcare organizations to handle healthcare challenges. Team Protected Harbor enables clients to protect their desktop issues such as ransomware, malware, and virus protection. Clients have complete remote access and 24 hour, 365-day support.

The unified VoIP solution and VoIP software phone system, video conferencing, and mobile app are easy to use and effortlessly protect clients’ phones. Plus, the clients can have the power of desktop QuickBooks and the security and convenience of a remote desktop connection with Protected Books. The protected data center and hosting solution virtually eliminate crashes, failures, and outages.

This one-stop technology company offers solutions that involve software, hardware infrastructure, cloud migration, disaster recovery, security, and cloud back-up. The company offers customers remote cloud access, 99.99% uptime, proactive monitoring, and private cloud backup.

The team of experts enables clients to get value from the virtual office-hosted solutions and efficiently work with businesses of all sizes to carry out business operations faster. The clients can migrate their systems to the cloud to reduce and control IT costs, enhance security and disaster preparedness, minimize maintenance, and increase the workforce’s productivity.

Consequently, the excellent cloud computing services enable Protected Harbor to gain a prestigious position amongst the renowned cloud computing companies in the United States at GoodFirms.

Apart from the services mentioned above, Protected Harbor delivers specialized IT services for small and medium-sized businesses. The certified IT engineers focus on keeping clients’ businesses going. The team builds reliable IT infrastructure with a strategic approach that drives clients’ business growth.

 

About the Author

goodfirm authorWorking as a Content Writer at GoodFirms, Anna Stark bridges the gap between service seekers and service providers. Anna’s dominant role is to figure out company achievements and critical attributes and put them into words. She strongly believes in the charm of words and leverages new approaches that work, including new concepts that enhance the firm’s identity.

Hidden Costs of the Cloud

Hidden Costs of the Cloud

What You Need to Know‍

The cloud has undoubtedly transformed the way organizations operate.

The cloud tends to offer many benefits, such as on-demand resources, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Most businesses nowadays have shifted to either a hybrid or a hybrid private cloud architecture. However, the adoption of the cloud hasn’t been exactly smooth for everyone. There are several hidden costs of the cloud that may catch you off guard if you’re not fully aware of them. Understanding these costs is essential to budget accurately for your IT services in the long run.

Welcome to another video in our series Uptime with Richard Luna, where Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, will discuss the cloud’s actual costs. Below, we will touch on some of the hidden costs of the cloud, how they can impact your business and what you can do about it.

 

What Are the Hidden Costs of the Cloud?

As we’ve already established, the cloud has some hidden costs that many companies are unaware of. This can affect their budgeting, decision-making, and long-term strategy. Business leaders may alter their entire IT strategy based on these hidden costs. From a financial standpoint, hidden fees can include data transfer, cloud utilization, migration, and business process reengineering costs.

Data Transfer Costs – These are costs associated with transferring data between on-premise resources and cloud-based resources. Depending on where your data is stored, you may have to incur the data transfer costs.

Cloud Utilization Costs– Public cloud service providers demand a fee each time a business tries to access its data. Cloud companies are betting on huge demand despite the low fees—which can occasionally amount to cents per hour.

Migration Costs – Organizations migrating their applications to the cloud may incur costs for retooling legacy applications for the cloud.

Business Process Reengineering Costs– Organizations occasionally anticipate that a move to the cloud will boost overall functionality and efficiency. However, the reality is any problems that may have existed before a cloud move will persist there. The initial transformation might be finished, but continuous business modifications will still be required, resulting in increased spending.

 

Whats the real cost of the cloudPrivate Cloud: A Better Alternative

Richard recommends, “To overcome some of the hidden costs of the cloud, organizations can opt for the private cloud.” A private cloud is an on-premises version of the public cloud where IT organizations control access, security, and the level of scalability. A private cloud is an isolated environment within your organization’s data center. It has its dedicated hardware, software, networking resources, and other utilities. A private cloud may incur some hidden costs. But these hidden costs are typically less than those associated with public cloud services. You can also use a public-private hybrid cloud. This combines a public cloud platform and a private cloud environment. A hybrid cloud is often used to host sensitive information because it’s more secure than a public cloud. You can also host non-sensitive information on a public cloud platform while keeping your critical data on a private cloud.

 

Conclusion

Many cloud providers are offering their services, but not all of them are the same. If you want to avoid hidden costs and stay on the safe side, you need to move to a private cloud. This way, you will have complete control over your data and won’t have to worry about any unexpected charges. With a private cloud from Protected Harbor, you can optimize your IT investments, avoid data breaches, and save money.

At Protected Harbor, we keep up with the latest technology, continuously invest in our people and infrastructure, and always look for ways to improve. We are experts in cloud implementation, partner with the biggest names in the software industry, and are dedicated to delivering a superior experience for every customer. If you’re looking to opt or migrate to a private or hybrid cloud or even other managed IT services, our experts are there to help you.

Contact us today for a free IT audit and cloud consulting!