The increasing reliance on cloud technology comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. It is no longer just about migrating to the cloud; it's about securing, optimising, and innovating within it. In this blog, we'll look at three key areas that businesses must focus on in 2024: bolstering cloud security, embracing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and maintaining a relentless focus on cloud optimisation.
Even stronger security for cloud
As we enter 2024, the need for robust cloud security has never been more pressing. With 80% of organisations using multiple public or private clouds and with the rapid emergence of generative AI, businesses are compelled to enhance their security to counteract increasingly innovative threat actor tactics.
Businesses can implement stronger cloud security by consolidating their security investments and focusing on technical security capabilities that provide greater visibility and responsiveness across their entire digital ecosystem. This includes regular patch management, security audits, and employing automated tools to monitor and correct misconfigurations.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) can significantly bolster cloud security for businesses. XDR provides a holistic view of the threat landscape, enabling rapid detection and response to threats. It integrates multiple security products into a unified security incident detection and response platform, enhancing visibility and simplifying management.
Next generation firewalls offer advanced threat protection, optimising cloud connectivity while ensuring a robust security posture. It provides granular control over applications, allowing safe, efficient use of online applications, all while preventing intrusion and blocking advanced threats including zero-day and ransomware attacks.
As the cloud becomes an integral part of business operations, investing in stronger cloud security measures is essential. By leveraging the latest solutions and technologies, companies can protect their digital assets and maintain a resilient stance against the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Increased adoption of Virtual Desktops
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows users to access and operate a desktop environment from a remote server. It’s a form of desktop virtualisation that can provide flexibility and security for businesses.
Traditional VDI hosts desktop environments on a central server and deploys them to end users on request. However, many businesses are making the move to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), where the ‘central server’ is on the Azure cloud. This enables a user to access their desktop remotely, complete with their settings, applications, and data.
Common use cases for AVD include remote work, where employees can access their work desktops from any location, and in sectors like education and healthcare, where users need to access a consistent workspace across various devices. It’s also used for software testing and development, where a controlled environment is necessary. It offers significant cost savings by reducing the need for physical hardware and maintenance.
Security is enhanced as data is stored on servers rather than individual devices, reducing the risk of data breaches. AVD also allows for greater scalability, enabling businesses to quickly adjust resources according to their needs.
Sustained focus on cloud optimisation
In the past five years, many businesses have transitioned to cloud computing, attracted by its promise of scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, without a sustained focus on continuous improvement, companies are finding that their cloud environments are not as optimised as they could be, leading to inflated costs and suboptimal security measures, thus failing to meet the initial expectations of the move.
Optimising a cloud environment can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line, businesses can save up to 45% on their cloud costs through optimisation strategies focused on waste management, consumption management, and purchasing best practices. These savings are not just about cutting costs but also about reallocating resources to enhance security and drive innovation.
Continuous improvement in cloud optimisation involves regular assessments and adjustments to ensure that cloud resources are being used efficiently and securely. This includes implementing automated tools for monitoring and correcting misconfigurations, as well as adopting a cost-aware architecture.
As cloud technology matures, businesses must adopt a proactive approach to cloud optimisation, focusing on both cost and security. This will reduce overall expenditure and allow for the reallocation of savings to improve security measures, thereby enhancing business agility and resilience in the face of stiff competition. The key to achieving this is a sustained focus on continuous improvement and the adoption of a robust governance structure.
As we navigate through 2024 and beyond, taking a proactive stance in these areas is essential for businesses to maintain agility, resilience, and competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. Learn more about our managed cloud services or get in touch today.