{"id":125,"date":"2023-01-23T07:28:31","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T07:28:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/companies.mybroadband.co.za\/bui\/?p=125"},"modified":"2023-09-29T06:18:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T06:18:44","slug":"do-you-know-where-your-cloud-data-resides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/companies.mybroadband.co.za\/bui\/2023\/01\/23\/do-you-know-where-your-cloud-data-resides\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you know where your cloud data resides?"},"content":{"rendered":"

BUI Modern Work Specialist Dirk Prinsloo explains why it\u2019s imperative to know where your cloud data resides \u2013 for the sake of security and compliance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rapid advances in cloud computing have made it easier than ever for businesses to store their data almost anywhere in the world \u2013 but this convenience has also raised a number of questions for enterprise stakeholders\u2026 Where, precisely, is digital information kept? How is it secured? And are there legal, regulatory, or privacy issues to consider when it comes to data in the cloud?<\/p>\n

\u201cData residency and data sovereignty can be tricky topics to navigate,\u201d says Dirk Prinsloo<\/a><\/strong>, Modern Work Specialist at BUI South Africa<\/a><\/strong>. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of confusion about these terms because they\u2019re used so interchangeably. They are related, but they don\u2019t mean the same thing. It\u2019s important for the public \u2013 and for cloud customers in particular \u2013 to understand each concept so that sound decisions can be made regarding data processing and data storage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The difference between data residency and data sovereignty<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Data residency refers to the defined geographic territory where a company stores its data. The actual location may be stipulated in local, regional, or national legislation; in sector regulations or industry standards; or even in the terms and conditions of a business contract.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about boundary lines,\u201d observes Prinsloo. \u201cIt\u2019s about the specific place where data is housed and retained. For a South African company serving South African customers within South African borders, the parameters are pretty clear. But for an international brand with offices across the globe, it can be a complex landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n

Data residency requirements vary from country to country. They typically apply to all business and customer data, but they can also be limited to certain types of information \u2013 including personal data (like someone\u2019s name or gender), medical or healthcare data (like patient records from hospitals), or financial data (like a buyer\u2019s credit card number or a company\u2019s accounting statements).<\/p>\n

\u201cTo put it simply, data residency is the \u2018where\u2019 of business data,\u201d explains Prinsloo. \u201cWhere does it go after it\u2019s been gathered? Where is its permanent, physical home? Where can it be found and retrieved, when needed? Data sovereignty, on the other hand, concerns the laws and policies that govern data because of the real-world site where it is collected, processed, or preserved.\u201d<\/p>\n

The geography of data<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

While geography is a factor in both instances, it\u2019s especially relevant in discussions about data sovereignty, continues Prinsloo. \u201cLet\u2019s say, for example, that I\u2019m running a business in Rome and I\u2019m keeping business data within Italy\u2019s borders\u2026 That data is then subject to Italian rules, so to speak. I\u2019m obligated to manage it in accordance with Italy\u2019s data legislation, and I can expect to be protected \u2013 or punished \u2013 in line with the country\u2019s legal provisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a one-enterprise-with-one-place-of-business scenario, data sovereignty matters are relatively straightforward to deal with, notes Prinsloo. Things get complicated, though, when corporate activities span more than one geographical or political zone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I decided that one branch in Rome wasn\u2019t enough, and I wanted to expand my Italian company into nearby Austria and France, then I\u2019d have to consider the consequences of doing business in two new locations. I\u2019d have to investigate the data-sovereignty implications of gathering and storing data in those countries, subject to their individual laws as well as the decrees of the European Union<\/a><\/strong> bloc to which they belong.\u201d<\/p>\n

The global focus on data protection and compliance<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the European Union\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)<\/a> <\/strong>is among the globe\u2019s most well-known data laws, it\u2019s certainly not the only one. More than 130 countries have legislation in place to help safeguard the integrity, privacy, and security of data. From the Privacy Act<\/a><\/strong> in Australia to the Protection of Personal Information Act<\/a><\/strong> in South Africa and the Data Protection Act<\/a><\/strong> in Spain, governments worldwide are mandating information protection.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor business organisations, the current environment is something of a tightrope,\u201d remarks Prinsloo. \u201cThey have access to sophisticated cloud technology, with virtually unlimited possibilities for growth and innovation, but they have to tread carefully because they\u2019re also confined by data-residency and data-sovereignty requirements. In order to protect the data in their care, they need to know where it is and how it is managed \u2013 and that means choosing a cloud provider who understands the importance of data security and operational transparency,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

The way of the Microsoft Cloud<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Microsoft has decades of experience helping enterprises keep their data private and secure, while also enabling them to comply with relevant rules and regulations. \u201cThere\u2019s a reason why Microsoft is consistently recognised<\/a><\/strong> as a cloud leader,\u201d explains Prinsloo. \u201cThe company leverages a strong set<\/a><\/strong> of policies and technologies to give customers the most robust options for managing, controlling, and protecting their cloud data.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Microsoft Cloud complies with over 100 national, regional, and industry-specific requirements, including ISO\/IEC 27001<\/a><\/strong> (for information security management systems) and ISO\/IEC 27017<\/a><\/strong> (for information security controls), as well as the NIST 800-53<\/a><\/strong> cybersecurity standard and compliance framework developed by the National Institute of Standards in Technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a lot of acronyms to remember,\u201d says Prinsloo. \u201cBut in practice, what it means is this\u2026 The Microsoft Cloud will meet the privacy, security, and compliance needs of most enterprises. That\u2019s a compelling proposition for anyone looking to modernise their business, but specifically for those with data-residency and data-sovereignty commitments \u2013 because a cloud provider that handles your data responsibly, securely, and transparently can be a true compliance partner, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Start your cloud journey with certified experts.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

BUI is a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP and a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Data & AI, Digital & App Innovation, Infrastructure, Modern Work, and Security.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk about cloud-powered productivity and security solutions for your business! Reach out to arrange a consultation with our Azure team.<\/p>\n

CONTACT BUI TODAY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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