As a result of the constant technological progress of recent years, our everyday lives benefit enormously from Cloud connectivity. Both in professional environments, as well as in certain aspects of our personal lives, being able to dump massive volumes of information in non-physical environments – without affecting the speed of transmission or the integrity of that information – has opened up a huge number of possibilities. However, as in any context where data exchange takes place, keeping security a top priority is an absolute must.

The benefits of Cloud connectivity

Even though most people take no notice of it at all, working with digitalised information in Cloud environments is already fairly commonplace, both in corporate and personal ecosystems. It’s a development that has brought us a whole series of benefits that have only boosted Cloud connectivity as a reliable and familiar companion. The benefits include:

• Accessibility. One of the main advantages of Cloud connectivity is the ability to access information simultaneously and remotely. It doesn’t matter what device you’re using, where you’re physically located in the world – or what network of users you may be part of – or even the volume of information in question, thanks to the Cloud, data can be made available immediately and multiple users can access it at once.
• Productivity. The levels of accessibility outlined above have a direct impact on the productivity and agility of systems designed to take advantage of Cloud connectivity. This leads to faster operations, fewer storage resources being required and much more efficient processes.
• Collaboration. When entire teams of people can access the same amount of information quickly and effectively in real time, collaborative work dynamics see an almost exponential improvement. This, in turn, encourages more creative environments and boosts innovation.
• Scalability. Thanks to Cloud connectivity, individuals and organisations no longer need to worry about potential growth limitations and increases in future data storage needs. Expanding Cloud capacity is simple, economical and doesn’t diminish the capacity of a given Cloud in any way, so it’s really nothing to be concerned about.

The challenges of Cloud connectivity: all roads lead to data security

All these benefits only strengthen the Cloud as an important technological asset. But to ensure truly reliable data flows, data security must be taken into consideration at the highest level. After all, there’s no point taking advantage of the Cloud if the information stored in it is vulnerable. To ensure connectivity is secure, a number of steps can be taken.

• Encrypting information. Encrypting data means that, even if the unthinkable happens and some sort of vulnerability occurs, data still can’t be accessed.
• Controlling access. With the help of access and user management systems, security keys and other protection and cybersecurity systems.
• Security protocols. The more robust and rigorously tested they are – as well as the more frequent monitoring exercises take place – the safer the Cloud will be.

Companies commit to Cloud security

Given all of the above benefits – especially in terms of infrastructure and productivity – many companies have progressively shifted towards reorganising and redesigning their operational systems to be based in the Cloud as a priority. At the same time, those very same companies are increasing their investments in secure software, firewalls, cybersecurity protocols and other data protection mechanisms.

The annual investments of Spanish companies, for example, in cybersecurity and data protection are constantly growing. According to a recent report, investment in technology by Spanish firms reached €60 billion in 2023, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. This upward trend is only expected to continue, with additional growth of 10% anticipated over the course of 2024.