The security of cloud desktops examined

security of cloud desktops

For most of us, Microsoft Windows operating system and its applications, such as Word and Excel, constitute the desktop. But these days, the desktop has significantly changed.

The entire desktop experience can now be delivered via a web browser through the combination of the cloud and virtualization.  Let's examine the security of cloud desktops.

What are cloud desktops

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) allows you to log into a web application to access your very own virtual workspace: A cloud desktop, which is a customized virtual machine that works much like a traditional standalone workstation.

Your virtual workspace can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, on nearly any device with a screen, even a smartphone. A physical on-premise server has all the hardware needed to store all of your important documents and files, making it easy for your employees to share data and collaborate.

Forward-thinking organizations are aware of the many benefits of cloud-hosted desktops, but some are reluctant take a leap forward due to security concerns -- which brings us to our next point.

Are cloud desktops secure?

Cloud-hosted desktops are a much safer option than regular ones because it’s easier to protect one server (that can support a fleet of cloud desktops) than dozens of physical workstations.

How safe an option are we talking about? You'd be surprised to know that security is the most important benefit of implementing DaaS for your organization.

Boosting privacy/aiding compliance

Here are ways in which DaaS can boost the safety of your business.

  1. Enhance security - With data and applications located in the cloud rather than on vulnerable devices, DaaS is an enticing option if you're looking to protect your sensitive data. Provided you have good passwords, files stored in a reliable cloud solution are some of the most secure files you can have, rather than those stashed on hard drives or physical data centers. By taking care of your credentials, only you can access your files.
  2. Enhance compliance - Aside from safety, DaaS also eliminates many compliance challenges. It simplifies device management, giving your business strong authentication and access controls to improve compliance with HIPAA and HITECH regulations.
  3. Maintain privacy - The cloud can actually boost your ability to control the privacy of sensitive data, contrary to common misconception that organizations give up privacy by moving into the public cloud.

No data can be downloaded, stored, or processed on a local device — it’s only displayed on that device with DaaS. This means companies can store data in cloud desktops and apply the appropriate safeguards, such as encryption and access permissions, ensuring data privacy.

Eliminating “shadow IT”

All IT-related activities and purchases -- such as cloud services, software, and hardware -- executed without the knowledge of your IT department is called shadow IT.

Shadow IT cultures emerge due to lack of flexibility and responsiveness from an organization. Shadow IT solutions are then built and used inside the business, without clear approval.

DaaS can help eliminate the many causes of a shadow IT culture by enabling Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. Here, your staff can use their own personal devices to get work done, without compromising on standards and security.

So, to any questions about the security of cloud desktops, the answer would be a definite “Yes!" These virtual desktops are hosted on a server with 24/7 protection. Cyberattacks are more likely to happen in on-premises data centers than those operated by reputable cloud providers.

At SimplyClouds, we have just the solution for your business. Our Hosted Desktop has an exclusive hybrid cloud technology that provides seamless access to your data residing on the cloud, your on-premise servers, or third-party public clouds like those from Amazon, Microsoft and Google.

We don't cut any corners, and we build your solution from the ground up using Citrix XenDesktop, so you get what you pay for with our cloud-hosted desktop. Call us now for more insights and to get a free trial.