Despite the rapid evolution and adoption of cloud telephony systems, many organisations are still reluctant to take this step. This is largely due to concerns around data security. Some believe that sticking to traditional data servers minimises the risk of data breaches. However, innovations in cloud telephony and cloud contact centre technology have been significant and most security concerns about the cloud – such as those around the protection of data and sensitive information – can be allayed by addressing a few common misconceptions and misunderstandings.
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1. Cloud telephony is a new technology, therefore it is more vulnerable to security breaches
Security is an age-old concern with cloud services and, as adoption of new cloud telephony surges, the misconception that security is a challenge persists. However, security concerns are the same, regardless of physical or virtual components. After all, when we refer to ‘the cloud’, we are still talking about data storage and software applications within a data centre. In addition, leading service providers always employ industry, and in some cases military, standard encryption, intrusion protection systems and firewall configurations to ensure security of client data and to avert outside network intrusion. The increase in security layers added within the cloud has introduced additional methods of authentication. The technology can record and monitor geolocation, device history and the preferred browser linked to your account and requires personal information before logging in.
2. The level of data control and access is reduced
Another misconception around cloud telephony systems is that the level of data control and access is reduced. However, cloud telephony actually gives businesses better access and control through administrator rights. Data is typically archived and calls and communication data is stored by cloud telephony providers using military grade call encryption. This archived data in the cloud can be accessed immediately through the call log search capability and is far ahead of in-house systems from both a security and search point-of-view. In addition, all files are stored centrally and everyone sees one version. Greater visibility means improved collaboration, which results in better productivity – a welcome boost to the bottom line.
3. Local computers and networks are better protected than cloud-based telephony systems
Even though data may be hosted with the cloud telephony provider’s data centres, that doesn’t make it any less secure. The term ‘cloud’ may seem to convey that data is just floating around somewhere but, in fact, it is a very safe place to store data. If anything, a cloud-based telephony system offers an increased level of security over local computers and networks. Cloud telephony providers can afford to invest in innovative, intelligent security measures that can outstrip those that organisations invest in themselves. Generally, data is lost when an organisation loses control of how it’s stored, shared, or secured and what end users do with it. The cloud gives back that control, from data centre to delivery to endpoint.
4. Cloud telephony does not meet industry security and compliance requirements
Cloud telephony providers can offer military grade data security, which far exceeds compliance requirements. With industries such as banking and financial services facing heavy communications regulation, cloud telephony solutions hold the key to meeting strict compliance. In fact, cloud telephony systems can more securely and cost effectively meet PCI DSS, MiFID II, FCA, Central Bank, SEC and Safe Harbour requirements than traditional systems.
[easy-tweet tweet=”The biggest risk of not embracing #cloud #telephony is that companies will fall behind their competition”]
The biggest risk of not embracing cloud telephony and technology is that companies will fall behind their competition. By moving to a cloud telephony system, companies can take a significant leap forward in terms of ensuring data security and meeting regulatory compliance, making these concerns a thing of the past for cloud adopters.
Marcus Kellman, Head of technical sales and pre-sales, Solgari
Marcus has worked in the telecommunications industry for 15 years and has experience in all aspects of sales in both technical and leadership roles. Prior to joining Solgari as head of technical sales and pre-sales, Marcus worked at Capstone Intelligent Solutions Limited and previously spent four years as vice president of EMEA at Adtech Global.