July 2016

As the cloud continues to grow, so do the misconceptions.

The cloud is often misunderstood. Security and privacy are top concerns for users when it comes to their data, and the thought of not having physical control is a problem for many users. However, those same users might not be aware of the security benefits the cloud provides. That’s right, there are legitimate security bonuses for using the cloud. Let’s explore why your data is safer in the cloud and how using the cloud can help your organization.

1) Reduced Human Error – We’ve all done it. That brief moment of horror when you can’t find your phone or laptop. It’s a harrowing experience because so much of our lives are connected to these devices. But what would happen if you actually lost your device and it made its way into the hands of some unsavoury sorts? Locally stored data is at a major risk for moments just like this. Cloud data storage mitigates the fallout from human error by securing data with the cloud service provider. So even if they get into the device they won’t have access to your data without your login credentials.

2) Multilevel Monitoring – Data stored in the cloud is monitored way more closely than you might think. Cloud application providers and data hosts, like Microsoft and Azure, are vigilant about keeping data secure in the cloud. Both monitor your information closely because it’s in their best interest to do so. Their vast resources are dedicated to keeping your data secure because they want you to continue partnering with them. This multileveled monitoring is particularly adept at securing data, and when something does get compromised they quickly remediate and inform you of what’s occurred.

3) Georeplicated Data – One of the most unique features of the cloud is its accessibility. Locally stored data is susceptible for a multitude of reasons, including a corrupted hard drive or even damage due to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. If something of this magnitude were to strike then it spells the end for many users’ data, but if data is stored in the cloud that data is georeplicated. This means that even if one storage site is damaged or goes down for some reason, cloud users already have backups in place because their data is replicated across many unique geographic locations.

4) Encryption – There’s a notion among some users that data in transit is easily identified and because it’s travelling in the cloud that other users are capable of accessing it. Data in transit between local user and cloud service provider is actually encrypted, meaning that even if someone could get access (which is highly unlikely) deciphering that information would be far more hassle than it’s probably worth. There are also many cloud service providers that offer user end encryption, so data stored in the cloud is encrypted with the user having the only key. It’s a nice extra touch that certifies the protection of user data.

5) Two-Factor/Multifactor Authentication – It’s a basic level of security, but many cloud providers understand that usernames and passwords aren’t always sufficient when it comes to protecting user data. That’s why two-factor authentication is such a common practice among cloud providers because it’s important to ensure the individuals with access to data are also who it belongs to. There are even some cloud service providers who take it an extra step and offer multifactor authentication which adds security measures like a thumbprint scan or voice recognition.

Data security is rightfully important for users. There’s nothing worse than having your data in the hands of the wrong people, but that keeping data stuffed inside a mattress probably isn’t the secure answer. The cloud is one of the safest places to secure data and it’s constantly improving. Just be sure that who you choose as your cloud service provider is a trusted partner. There’s a lot to like when moving to the cloud and security is just one of the benefits you’ll be able to take advantage of.

This article was originally published on Engadget.com.

In 2011, the United States initiated the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) program. The goal was inspiring schools, districts and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) “to strive for 21st century excellence, by highlighting promising practices and resources that all can employ.” Those selected each year demonstrate outstanding progress in three areas, referred to as the Three Pillars:

1. Promoting better health for students and staff
2. Providing effective environmental education—incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), civic skills and green career pathways
3. Taking action to reduce environmental impact and utility costs.

Last year’s 81 honorees, voluntarily nominated by 30 state education agencies, were selected from 28 jurisdictions. This includes 52 public schools and six private schools serving various grade levels and diverse populations. Of the 35 elementary, 19 middle and 17 high schools selected, 47 percent serve a disadvantaged student body, 22 percent are from rural areas, and 33 percent of the postsecondary institutions were community colleges.

These numbers may seem small compared to the thousands of educational institutions in the U.S., but for every publicly recognized school, district or IHE, countless more are working tirelessly toward their green ribbons. Focused on reducing environmental impact and cutting energy consumption, educational institutions and communities everywhere are realizing tremendous benefits from new technology and software applications. They are not only cost-effective, but simple to use, even for an IT department of one.

Schools with new tools

Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) is part of a committed, environmentally conscious community that takes pride as a U.S. leader of sustainability. As a community hub, BVSD supports the community’s sustainability efforts which include offering residents and businesses a reliable and affordable power supply. By installing cloud-based, energy-saving software to nearly 10,000 computers and devices with virtual server technology, BVSD’s IT team manages power usage on thousands of computers with a single interface. This is a significant step toward reducing costs while helping the community achieve its environmental goals and a clean energy future.

Positive economic growth in any community relies on educational opportunities, including modernized facilities and technology. When visitors consider moving to a new community, they are typically interested in touring schools to observe opportunities available for their children. New technology plays an important role in the classroom, but it is critical to running cost-effective, efficient schools to provide quality education.

Cloud-based solutions improve efficiency and save taxpayer money

The National School Boards Association recently honored Nevada’s second largest school district, Washoe County School District (WCSD), for increasing its graduation rate, increasing the achievement of low-income and minority students, and placing highly qualified teachers in schools with the greatest need. Serving 63,000 students across 93 school sites in Reno and Sparks, WCSD strives for academic excellence and environmental stewardship. Working to streamline processes and reduce its carbon footprint, the district deploys cloud-based software, which saves up to $500,000 in energy costs each year.

Even small school districts are taking initiatives with energy cost savings and better technology solutions. These decisions help administrators direct resources toward educating students rather than expanding operational costs.

For example, Donnie Morgan oversees all technology issues for Stanton County Unified School District 452 (USD 452), the only school district in Johnson, Kansas. Like many rural U.S. school districts, budgetary constraints create challenges for Ms. Morgan, who had few resources available for managing, maintaining and updating nearly 350 outdated computers. With a chaotic IT environment, Ms. Morgan explored a free trial of a Syxsense , which included energy-saving tools. She ran the demo and performed a lab update within 15 minutes, something that would normally take several hours. She realized this was the perfect solution for not only simplifying IT processes, but also cutting energy consumption for the entire district. CMS ultimately benefits the bottom line, environment and quality of education in USD 452.

Technology’s transformational potential—beyond the classroom

Regardless of geographic and economic barriers, America is finding new ways to use technology beyond the classroom. With an estimated annual revenue of $605 billion from K-12 education, there is potential for transformation through advancing technologies. Administrators are faced with diminishing resources and rising expectations, thus investing in cost-efficient technology is crucial. As educational institutions strive to reduce costs and improve student outcomes through technology, Green Ribbon Schools may become a thing of the past due to 100 percent success. However, this is a stepping stone towards increased sustainability for the world.

This article was originally published on TMCnet.

The cloud offers countless benefits to organizations everywhere. Unfortunately, there are countless misconceptions as well.

User privacy and data security are major concerns across any IT infrastructure. A recent poll shows that only 38 percent of global organizations say they are prepared to handle a sophisticated cyberattack. Still, there is a reluctance among many organizations to adopt cloud computing systems due to fear that the system would be incapable of handling major security threats.

Many businesses are just more comfortable internally managing IT systems with on-premises solutions. However, reluctance to use cloud computing systems shouldn’t be based on misconceptions. There are tremendous benefits businesses enjoy when transitioning to cloud-based solutions, and it’s important to dispel some particularly erroneous cloud computing myths.

1. Data is less secure when stored in the cloud

Security is often listed as the primary concern for the IT departments of companies of all sizes. Data breaches and information hacks continue to rise, and some companies believe that data is more secure if it’s on premises. Companies choosing this option must of course manually deliver each patch and security update to their internal networks. This also leaves them with the task of monitoring servers to ensure that unauthorized access isn’t gained.

One of the primary benefits that cloud computing services provide is that they do the patching and security monitoring for you. Transferring data storage to the cloud better secures company data by reducing stress on internal IT departments. In addition, there are multiple levels of monitoring of the cloud data, with the cloud application provider and data host, such as Microsoft or Azure (which have more robust security measures in place than a typical IT department), each owning a part of the data security responsibility.

This also doesn’t account for potential natural disasters that may strike a company, such as earthquakes, fires, or floods. If a company’s data center is hit by any of these natural disasters, it could be an even greater disaster for the company. If the company has taken the proper measures to create backups of the data at an offsite location, then it is closely approaching the same ideas used for the cloud. But the cloud demonstrates a major advantage over on-premises solutions, with georeplicated data centers. So if a disaster does strike a geographic region, the company data is safe because it’s replicated across many geographically unique sites.

Lastly, cloud security frequently firewalls internal and external networks. Since the target location of most breaches is internal due to users unintentionally downloading malware through unlicensed software, creating a firewall that insulates the internal network and prevents the external network from becoming compromised adds additional layers of security. The same works in reverse. If it is an external threat, the firewall will prevent internal networks from becoming compromised too. It’s no wonder that 69 percent of organizations are relying on cloud–based cybersecurity to reduce risk and create better security.

2. Data can’t be controlled once it’s in the cloud

Due to compliance, regulatory, and security issues, there is justifiable concern regarding the geographical storage location of data once it is in the cloud. This is particularly important for organizations that work extensively with confidential records that cannot be stored outside of the country. Organizations in the healthcare field as well as businesses that deal with financial information must meet industry compliance, regulatory, and security standards.

European security standards also require that data be stored within Europe to meet compliance. For U.S. businesses that wish to expand overseas, this would require them to build a costly on–premises data center in Europe, or they could partner with one of the several cloud providers that readily provide information on data storage location and can work to meet compliance standards. Additionally, there is the option of the private cloud, which adds control over the network environment while benefiting from the features cloud computing provides.

3. BYOD and cloud computing are fads

Bring your own device (BYOD) is used by many companies that appreciate its ease of use, since devices aren’t required to be tethered to a network infrastructure when using this model. Companies that adopt the BYOD method of operating are typically major proponents of cloud computing. Even though BYOD as a strategy will likely evolve into another model for business operations, cloud computing has definitely proved itself as far more than a fad. Many of the top businesses in the world are already taking advantage of cloud computing technologies while simultaneously deploying robust security measures to keep information safe.

4. Anyone has access to your data in the cloud

Many people believe that the cloud is more susceptible to threats, given that it’s maintained by an outside provider that manages data storage for other users. Although public clouds permit sharing of network space by different users, this does not give anyone else access to your data. Data is encrypted in transit for cloud networks, which makes deciphering any potential breach nearly impossible. Internal networks don’t usually deploy encryption, making them more susceptible if a breach does occur for the on–premises center. Data in the cloud operates like a highway: The road is shared among many vehicles, but no one is entering your car because it’s locked (encrypted) and traveling down the highway.

5. Cloud computing is too new to trust

The cloud has existed a lot longer than many people realize. The concept of the cloud began in the 1950s. The first mainframes were so expensive that major corporations and universities set up terminals and shared the mainframe. As the internet became widely accessible in the ’90s, cloud computing started to really take shape along today’s lines. Purchasing and deploying software over the Internet started in the late ’90s, so there’s over 20 years of history where businesses used cloud computing technologies to better their businesses.

In addition to how much security cloud computing can lend to your organization, there are even more positive aspects of the cloud. Lowered expenses when it comes to operating and maintaining cloud software as opposed to traditional IT software is just one additional bonus. Once you get past the myths about the cloud that do nothing more than limit the perception of cloud computing’s ability, you get a clearer view on how using the cloud can actually improve the way your organization functions.

This article was originally published on Tech Beacon.