More and more businesses are finding that they need to familiarize themselves with cloud hubbing. This is a new term that refers to using the design of a data center and network to optimize the operations of all applications and services. This means that businesses can be more efficient by making use of what they are already working with.
When putting together a team, you want them to be able to utilize their expertise efficiently and not be slowed down by slow data and complications. Cloud hubbing allows remote workers to interact better with others around the globe and helps teams to work together regardless of their location.
If you are one of the many companies that have made the switch to remote work for some or all of your jobs, then you need cloud hubbing to ensure harmony and morale.
Cloud hubbing can be used with existing applications
Reconfiguring existing applications is not a process that any company wants to go through if it can be avoided. There is a myth among many that for a company’s current applications to work smoothly in the cloud, some reconfiguring must happen.
As companies cannot afford a lot of downtime or errors, reconfiguring is not ideal. Of course, the financial commitment required to troubleshoot and reconfigure applications is another aspect that must be considered, especially for smaller to mid-sized firms that are just getting started.
Application accelerators are often the solution. These tools cache application data and streamline communication operations between databases and servers. This gets information out more quickly with no unnecessary lag or conflicts. This simple solution is one reason why cloud hubbing is something that any business should consider.
Larger companies that do a lot of international communication and business will find that application accelerators greatly reduce errors and lag when communicating with servers on different continents.
Skipping the middleman can speed up operations significantly
Many of the delays that people complain about when accessing the cloud are related to too many relays to get the information needed. Accessing big data centers and processors via the regular internet can be slower than some would like, as it relies on these relays to transfer information. The more relays between you and the larger data center, the slower the cloud is going to work for you. The use of direct connect programs such as AWS Direct Connect (Amazon’s cloud server) can eliminate glitches and issues.
In today’s world, people increasingly expect practically instant data, so if your company cannot provide it, they are going to miss out on a lot of business. Using cloud hubbing can increase your market share.
Cloud hubbing can speed up apps for smartphone and tablet use
If a business has an app, then it is moving in the right direction in terms of reaching more customers and making its products and services more approachable. With app development comes a responsibility to ensure that it runs fast and smooth on even the most basic smartphone or device. Once you lose an app user, it can be hard to get them back.
Consider for a moment a grocery store app. Customers are using your online ordering system to save themselves time and possibly money if apps have other perks. However, if your app runs slowly, then it is frustrating to use and not as appealing. Customers may even use another grocery store if your app takes too long to load search results or product pages.
Mobile apps use a lot of data, so the further it has to travel, the slower your app will be. By eliminating the steps required to transfer data to the customer, apps can be made much faster.
Good security is essential when using cloud hubs
Data and user information must be protected from cyber-attacks, hacking and more. Cybersecurity professionals play a critical role in setting up security and monitoring hubs against any threats. Keeping protections up to date takes skill and time as new threats are being created all the time.
Ransomware attacks are becoming all too common because, unfortunately, it is an easy crime to get away with. Companies that become the victims of ransomware have their data stolen or locked, and it cannot be used unless they pay the requested amount. Of course, there is no guarantee that a hacker will follow through and correct the problems they have caused even if they receive everything they are asking for.
If a cloud hub were attacked, it could prevent a lot of valuable business from taking place. The monetary implications of not being able to do business is one of the main reasons why businesses often pay the ransom. It is cheaper to pay than to lose business or have to start over with new software. Also, publicly admitting that user information and finances have been compromised can lead to customers or potential customers not trusting your company. It can be difficult for a company to recover its reputation after a lot of people are informed that data has been stolen.
It is far less expensive to hire a cybersecurity expert to ensure that data and information are well protected and that all protections are continuously updated and monitored for performance.
Hackers are getting more sophisticated
In some ways, it is easier than ever to make money from hacking and illegally gaining information. The use of cryptocurrencies makes it easier for hackers to anonymously receive money. While it is not impossible to track cryptocurrency, it is far harder than regular cash transfers and wires.
Hackers often work in teams and are well-trained in all aspects of cybersecurity and computer science. The emergence of new tools used to get through security measures means that there is always a new threat to watch out for.
Cybersecurity is a profession that is growing in demand
More businesses are launching every day and all of them need some level of cybersecurity. While cybersecurity experts are trained in many areas and skills within computer science, cybersecurity is one of the biggest technologyconcerns for many businesses.
If you have a love for computers, solving mysteries, and learning new things each and every day, then you should consider taking a degree in cybersecurity and computer science. There are lots of jobs that you can qualify for, and there is room to work and grow in practically any industry niche.
There is nothing that can be done to prevent hackers and cybercriminals from developing more sophisticated means of committing their nefarious actions. As the world becomes even more connected via the internet, and more computing is done via cloud hubs and apps, there will be a need for increased threat protections regardless of a business’s size. Many mid to large-size companies employ one or more full-time cybersecurity experts to take care of their needs while performing other IT and computing tasks.
To succeed in business, many companies are having to consider how to compete on a global scale. A good place to start is to make sure that customers can trust your company with their information and business. A cybersecurity expert can ensure that you have the right protections for your unique situation and give you peace of mind that security updates take place regularly.
What tools do cybersecurity experts use to protect data, applications and cloud hubs?
It may sound as though hackers and cybercriminals have the upper hand, but in fact cybersecurity experts are responsible for staying a step ahead whenever possible. Cybersecurity experts have a lot of tools and skills at their disposal to ensure that data remains secure. Here are a few of the tools and skills most commonly used to keep data safe.
Antivirus and malware programs
There are numerous out-of-the-box anti-virus and anti-malware programs, but they don’t always work perfectly for everyone using the most basic installations. Cybersecurity experts can customize out-of-the-box software to meet specific needs at a company.
Custom anti-virus software may also do a better job of protecting threats because it is harder for hackers and cybercriminals to know much about them. They may decide to go for an easier target if you have custom anti-virus protocols in place. Custom software can also alert your cybersecurity expert when there are attempts made to gain access to information or plant malware.
Ethical hacking
One way that cybersecurity specialists can keep data safe is to attempt to hack systems to test them for vulnerabilities. Ethical hacking is when someone is allowed to make their best efforts to find holes in security protocols or any system-wide vulnerabilities. It is much better to have someone on your side attempt to breach security and then patch any holes than it is to wait until someone nefarious finds a way into your sensitive data.
Monitoring
Cybersecurity experts monitor systems so that they can tell when attack attempts take place. This is great because it gives a heads-up that someone wants to get in and may be back to try again. If something does fail and they do get in, it can let an expert know information about the attack so that damage can be mitigated or eliminated. Setting up systems so that someone can take on an attack right away is, of course, ideal and necessary at larger companies that are at risk of ransomware attacks and more.
Updates and improvements
A cybersecurity specialist takes the guesswork out of ensuring that your computer systems and security are up to date. While someone may specialize in cybersecurity, they can still take on some other IT tasks, such as making sure that all of your software and operating systems are set to update whenever possible, and then ensuring that the security protocols that are in place are working well with any updates.
What do cybersecurity experts do in addition to data protection?
There is certainly a great deal to consider when it comes to IT and data at a company. Here are a few of the additional duties that a cybersecurity expert can help with.
Ensuring that your company is compliant
Data protection regulations must be taken seriously. For example, many companies must comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act. Customers must also be informed and agree to your company sharing information with others or selling it to companies that your customers may be interested in doing business with. A specialist can also make sure that you have considered and are complying with any legal terms necessary for your industry.
Training other computer and data specialists at your company
It is important to have good training at your firm. New IT or cybersecurity experts will benefit from having an experienced team member on hand to help train and answer questions. Training new employees and offering them a reasonable period of orientation and mentoring will save time and money at your company and prevent any misunderstandings or mistakes.
Teaching employees to use new software correctly
A lot of mistakes with new software are totally preventable if employees are offered proper instruction and time to learn software in an environment where they don’t have to be fearful of making a major mistake. Simulations and practice with an expert computer scientist available for feedback and to answer any questions are invaluable to productivity and employee morale.
How to become a cybersecurity expert
A true love for computers and problem-solving is a great start toward becoming a cybersecurity expert. A degree in computer science is the typical professional credential for an expert, with additional certifications and certificates helping to secure positions where expertise is needed in many areas. Completing a Cybersecurity Master’s program online from St. Bonaventure University could enable you to embark upon a new career in this field. With no GRE/GMAT required, you can earn your degree in as little as 18 months while keeping your current job.
St. Bonaventure University’s program teaches topics including cloud security, the foundations of ethical hacking, digital forensics, enterprise security and more. You will learn from accomplished academics and be well-prepared to take on the challenges of cybersecurity in the future.
Cybersecurity experts must keep up with current trends in technology and keep earning credentials via training and continuing education classes. Computer science is a rapidly changing field that requires vigilance to stay at the top and provide the highest level of service to clients.
If you have always been interested in a career that gives you the option of working in different environments, then cybersecurity is a great choice. Many experts work remotely regardless of the type of business they are working for. Larger companies may employ their own experts, while smaller companies may choose to go with an agency that works with many clients.
Once you gain experience and a good reputation for excellence, you might even consider starting your own cybersecurity business on your own or with a small team of professionals.
Transforming data storage and retrieval for future efficiency
Cloud-based computing is on the rise and will continue to play a dominant role in the way that we store and retrieve data in the decades to come. Through cloud computing and hubs, information can be accessed faster than ever before so that business can be conducted with the utmost efficiency.
With more business than ever before being conducted virtually, the demand for cybersecurity experts will continue to rise. Now is a great time to consider embarking upon a career in computer science and cybersecurity.
