Transitioning to the Cloud

Transitioning to the Cloud

5 reasons to feel secure in the cloud

  • By Olivia Peralta
  • Apr 01, 2022

Is access control in the cloud truly secure? Most organizations have asked this question when considering a transition from on-premise access control software to a cloud-based system.

View the Expansion
Over the years, cloud adoption has expanded significantly in the access control industry. We’re seeing more customers hosting access control systems in a cloud environment after evaluating the time and money spent on securely maintaining on-premise solutions. The industry is moving away from downloading on-premise software that tends to age quickly in favor of the security enhancements automatically deployed for cloud-based systems.

It’s still common to question the security of your data in the cloud. However, cloud-based solutions can offer more security and more benefits than on-premise solutions and here are the reasons why.

Real-time accessibility/scalability. Cloud-based access control systems are great for geographically dispersed organizations looking for ways to centrally control access rights from anywhere at anytime. For many organizations it is more efficient to install, monitor, and maintain their entire infrastructure from one platform. The cloud allows end users to easily scale their systems without expensive and disruptive network infrastructure work, often required for on-premise offerings.

It can become extremely challenging to have each location operating on its own disparate system; which can result in higher maintenance and personnel costs. In addition, it’s simpler to integrate security systems if it is all managed from one centralized platform as it gives end users the ability to have more control over access control from any location.

Improved connectivity, reliability. When an organization experiences a service interruption and has an on-premise access control solution, the access control system could be affected. Organizations need to safeguard against outages and reduce the chance of downtime.

Most cloud solutions address this concern by utilizing industry best practices to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to keep things operating efficiently. Cloud ecosystems provide more layers of reliability as well. For example, redundant resources can kick in automatically when a system experiences a disruption. In addition, the network is usually proactively monitored which also helps safeguard against outages.

Staffing and cost reductions. By moving to the cloud, expenses can be reduced by not having to purchase, store, monitor and maintain costly hardware servers on your site. It also eliminates the complexity of having to install control panels, a separate power supply, and dedicated hard-wiring that is needed with an on-premise solution. Also, a cloud-hosted environment is automatically updated by the development team with regular cadence, which includes recent software versions that offer new features.

In addition, bug fixes can be released immediately to customers; saving time and money. Organizations can eliminate the need for large IT teams to manage internal networks with a cloud-based solution; which in return reduces personnel costs and internal resources needed to maintain internal networks.

Improved data protection. Cybersecurity is a huge concern in the security industry and preventing cyberattacks continues to be a top priority. While it is impossible to anticipate and protect against every single hack be it on-premise or in the cloud, organizations with cloud-based systems can oftentimes mitigate and protect against vulnerabilities faster and easier.

With a cloud-based access control system, the security standards are normally higher and most cloud providers typically use best practices to ensure customer data is safe and secure.

Ease of software updates. With access control in the cloud, most providers can easily provide a software update by simply pushing it to their customers. With an on-premise system, an upgrade can become disruptive and cause business interruption and downtime which can require costly upgrades and labor costs to the end user.

In some cases, it can even keep you locked into older versions of software. A cloud-based system can ensure that the end user always has the latest software versions, including the most current security patches that are released with no downtime. With on-premise software options, they typically require a purchase of their software upgrade plans in order to download new versions.

As there are many benefits to transitioning to the cloud, customers appreciate the ease of scalability and ability to add more access points without having to build significant network infrastructure. As cloud-based technology continues to evolve, understanding these benefits can help organizations feel more secure transitioning to the cloud – and more comfortable expanding their security solutions in the future.

This article originally appeared in the April 2022 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.