Following recent insights into the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and automation, Real-Time Business Solutions (RBS), specialists in smart systems for ports and terminals have taken a look at ‘Cloud Security’ – including what is driving its growth and five crucial things all terminals must know.
Previous insights from RBS argued against the myth that Cloud architecture weakens a terminal operating system’s (TOS) security structure and credited the strict regulation providers have to comply with for preventing data loss.
In fact, as TOS’ become an ever more important part of marine infrastructure, so has the Cloud software, where data and information are kept safely in one location, which supports them.
View all RBS' solutions for ports and terminals by visiting their AIS portal
IoT Holding up the Cloud
According to RBS, the “surge of connectivity in IoT is the main contributor to the grand shift towards the takeover of cloud technology.”
Consequently, the IoT, the Internet of Things, has seen terminals and organizations to pursue Cloud-based TOS’ in a bid to resolve operational inefficiencies and improve overall performance.
“Although several TOS providers tend to pitch this buzzword at every opportunity,” RBS says, “nearly all system infrastructures evade entirely from the core cloud characteristics and components.
“Instead of achieving maximum ROI, which is a forefront deliverable of the cloud, they confront a surplus in expenses and experience a downturn in performance.
“As a result, these TOS which claim to be cloud-based foster an undermining perception of how powerful a true cloud TOS can manifest on a terminal.”
Five Things to be Aware of
According to RBS, fears surrounding data security is the main reason terminals do not adopt Cloud-based TOS’.
Therefore, RBS has listed five key myth-debunking factors terminals should know and explained the benefits of Cloud implementation.
RBS:
2048-Bit Encryption
Anything connected must be supported by well-defined and well-implemented security. Therefore, a cloud TOS must provide 2048-bit encryption; the highest encryption rate available.
This level of encryption is exponentially more secure than 1024-bit, setting the new standard across the Container Handling Industry. Do not settle for less.
ISO Standards
Standardization for data must be enforced to ensure a decree of legislation is governing the continuously growing cloud computing landscape. As cloud computing expands into new fields, new standards regarding security and privacy are introduced, becoming stricter and increasingly rigid.
The latest ISO/IEC 19086-4:2019 has been instituted, heeding strict conformity from all cloud service providers. This standardization also serves as guidance whereby infringement of the regulations instigates viable litigations.
Multi-Layered Security
A TOS operating in the cloud is essentially a SaaS running on a PaaS belonging to a cloud service provider.
As opposed to the conventional on-premise enterprise TOS solution, there is a higher concentration on data security since cloud servers maintained in data centers are rigorously safeguarded and managed by professionals with strong IT expertise.
These professionals are highly experienced in responding to malfunctioning systems. Entrance to these warehouses also requires numerous levels of authorized clearances.
The rollout of stringent compliance requirements, firewalls, policies, processes, and control activities collectively fortifies an ethical use of cloud technology to instill a safe environment respecting global privacy and data protection.
Traditionally, a terminal restricts their resources and delegates limited-to-one IT maintenance personnel to maintain the hardware and system infrastructures.
As a result, this limited expertise can engender additional implications such as being incapable of detecting the issue early which prolongs the timespan to resolve the issue.
Therefore, if anything, security is heightened in the instance of adopting the cloud which starkly distinguishes against the common on-premise TOS.
Cloud in Everyday Use
The masses of Internet-enabled devices expedite cloud use and has become an unknowingly natural practice for all Internet users. Cloud technology is prevalent in everyday operations and activities inducing greater dependence as it continues to expand across all industries.
Many users entrust their private data to cloud-based software giants such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google Drive, baring the question – what is the difference?
Non-sensitive Data
Data processed in a TOS is predominantly non-sensitive as it primarily comprises of EDI messages providing discharge as well as load orders, and container throughput sent from shipping lines.
Therefore, the terminal operator does not own any data that enters or departs from the terminal other than their KPIs, which is of very little value to external stakeholders.
When terminals face results that deviate heavily from their expectations and objectives, it is crucial to understand that it is yielded from poor decision-making in implementing a forged cloud TOS.
A true cloud-based TOS will offer higher revenues, lower expenses, and instill paramount security measures.
Conduct research, understand the true meaning of cloud infrastructure and select the correct cloud TOS to leverage only benefits. It is time you start seeing a difference.
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