Page 66 - Cyber Warnings

Why Cyber Security is Redefining SMEs Business Operations on

the Cloud

By Mufassira Fathima, Content Writer, Allied Analytics LLP

Modern day IT infrastructures and data centers are revolutionized by the advent of technology
and cloud-based services. The emergence of the cloud, as a platform, has redefined how
enterprises function as a business model. Moreover, the emergence of the IoT and BYOD
trends is already creating ripples in the IT industry and cyber world. With progress being made
with such rapidity, it is imperative that the issue of cyber security be given much thought.
Business enterprises and IT giants are leaving no stone unturned in employing the best
solutions and services for risk & compliance, unified threat management (UTM), identity and
access management (IAM), encryption, and intrusion prevention systems.

While IT giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM have been proactive in
ensuring optimum protection of their networks and data through on-premise as well as cloud
cyber security solutions, the SMEs (small & medium business enterprises) are swift to catch up.
Cyber security has become as essential for the efficient management and handling of business
operations as it has for ensuring network securities.

The entire cyber security market is expected to garner an impressive $198 billion by 2022. This
will be projected by a CAGR of 15.5% during the given forecast period. Among all the end-
users, it is estimated that SMEs are the fastest growing user base, with an expected CAGR of
18.5% till 2022. The very statistic is enough to reinstate the fact that even small business
organizations are reaching out for foolproof safety measures to secure their IT networks and
infrastructures from foreign threats.

UTM through single console a must for SMEs

Threat management is as big a concern for small and medium businesses as it is for the large
ones. While every enterprise is vulnerable to attacks and threats to its network from various
sources, it has become imperative to enforce security measures throughout the functioning of
the business to prevent data breach or inhibition of virus and malware. Unified threat
management allows an integrated approach to cyber security as it allows the network
administrator to govern a; the applications through a single console.
Advanced features of a UTM enable identity-based access control, prevention of intrusion,
allowing load balancing, and application awareness. Swift replacing the traditional firewalls, the
adoption of UTMs by SMEs has ensured that their cloud operations, as well as network
appliances, are protected from spam, malware, intruders, and hackers through only a non-
complex method. This will not only provide cyber security, but also enhance the productivity of
the firm’s operations, as its security threats can be taken care of effectively.

66 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine February 2017 Edition
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