Best Public Cloud Storage Services

Public cloud services work under a shared responsibility model. This means the vendor is responsible for the security of the cloud environment and infrastructure as a whole and the user is responsible for the security of their data and workloads. Keeping the data secure in the cloud is critical when opting for a cloud storage service. When looking at cloud service providers, here are some security features to consider:

1. Advanced firewall: Data in the cloud requires extended firewall features like checking the packet content for integrity and stability.
2. Intrusion detection system: Most compliance standards require organizations to track and record intrusion attempts. So IDS event logging is essential for organizations in regulated industries that need to comply with PCI, DSS, or HIPAA regulations. Some cloud providers offer intrusion detection monitoring to detect threats and malicious IP addresses.
3. Application and database firewalls: The perimeter firewall can block external attacks but internal threats exist as well. Cloud storage services that implement internal firewalls to restrict access to databases and applications offer a new layer of protection against internal threats. These can also block an attacker trying to move laterally inside the environment.
4. Encryption at rest and in transit: Data must be protected not only when transferred from or to the cloud but also while at rest inside the cloud storage. This is an effective way to keep sensitive information from an attacker. That way, even if an attacker can steal the data, they cannot use it without knowing the decryption key.

Unlike in the public cloud, in the private cloud, the user does not share the service with any other organization. Their cloud is dedicated to the company only.

Contrarily, in a public cloud, the services are shared by different customers, although each user’s data is hidden from other cloud users. A private cloud can be compared with renting a private house. It is more expensive but more private. A public cloud can be compared to an apartment building. The tenants share the common infrastructure but they each have their own space for their belongings.

Private clouds can be hosted, which means they are offered by a third-party cloud provider, or internal, which means they are managed and maintained by the organization.

Opting for a cloud storage platform has several benefits, like easy access to data and files. When looking for a cloud storage service, there are important features to look for:

1. File versioning: This feature enables you to edit files without fearing the service will overwrite them. Instead, these services keep several versions of your files so you can go back to the old copies later. Most services can even allow you to retrieve a deleted file.

1. Collaboration tools: Easy file sharing with other authorized users is a must to allow for collaboration in distributed workforces. The best cloud storage services also ensure secure access to protect the shared data.

1. Automatic synchronization: This feature updates the files in real time to reflect the edits you make. Automatic syncing saves you from having to sync manually, with the risk of losing data. Some cloud storage services also provide automatic backups so you can rest assured that no data is lost.

1. Security and file encryption: Your cloud storage service should encrypt the data at rest as well as in transit. The best services even allow you to pick the encryption key and identity and access management. Access control lets you ensure only the right user has access to the data.

1. Flexibility and affordability: Pricing models vary according to the platform. Some storage platforms offer limited data and get more expensive when scaling up. Others are more expensive at the outset but get more affordable with time. It is important that the cloud storage feature offers the flexibility to scale up or down in an affordable manner.

Public Cloud Storage Services employ a range of security measures to protect your data. These typically include encryption during transit and at rest, access control policies, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. It's important to evaluate the security certifications and features offered by your chosen provider and ensure they align with your organizational security policies.

Public Cloud Storage Services offer significant cost advantages for businesses. By using the cloud, you can avoid the high upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining physical storage infrastructure. Pay-as-you-go pricing models allow you to only pay for what you use, providing flexibility and scalability. Cloud storage can reduce operational costs associated with storage management and maintenance as the provider handles these tasks.

Yes, many Public Cloud Storage Services are designed to integrate seamlessly with hybrid cloud environments. These services offer interoperability tools and APIs that facilitate data transfer and management across on-premise and cloud infrastructures. Supporting a hybrid cloud strategy allows you to leverage the benefits of both environments, enabling workload optimization and enhanced flexibility.

Latency can impact the performance and user experience of Public Cloud Storage Services. It is crucial to consider the physical location of data centers relative to your user base to minimize latency. Many providers offer options to store data in multiple geographic locations, which can reduce latency by bringing data closer to the end-users. Evaluating the network performance and using content delivery networks can further optimize access speeds and enhance performance.

Compliance with regulations is essential when using Public Cloud Storage Services. Providers often offer compliance certifications and features designed to meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. You should review your provider's compliance offerings and ensure that they have third-party audit reports available. Establishing clear governance policies and maintaining continuous monitoring of your data can assist in achieving compliance while storing data in the cloud.