Cloud Infrastructure Cloud Migration
Common Cloud Migration Risks and Solutions
Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Migration_ |_ Anant Tripathi

6 Common Cloud Migration Risks and Solutions to Minimize

Cloud migration is the process that involves transferring of data, applications, and other business elements from on-site infrastructure to the cloud computing environment. This transition offers various advantages like scalability, cost-savings and improved accessibility. However, a journey to the cloud cannot be completed without adding a few challenges, which require careful planning, and execution to avoid the potential pitfalls. To ensure a smooth transition it is essential to understand the common risks involved in cloud migration, and the strategies to mitigate them.

The Importance of Cloud Migration

Cloud-based infrastructure offers a long list of advantages over traditional on-premises data centres, including the following:

  • Minimum Infrastructure Costs

    Transitioning to the cloud allows organizations to shift the burden of infrastructure management to a third-party provider. Cloud service providers (CSPs) distribute their costs among multiple clients, which often results in a reduction of the infrastructure expenses for individual organizations. For instance, a company migrating its data storage to a cloud service can avoid the upfront costs required for purchasing and maintaining physical servers. Instead, the companies can prefer a pay-as-you-go model where expenses are decided based on actual usage, transitioning from a capital expenditure approach to an operational expenditure model.


  • Outsourced Management

    One of the biggest advantages of cloud solutions is the outsourced management feature. With this feature, the cloud service providers (CSPs) take over the responsibility for IT infrastructures. For example, an organization that opted for a cloud-based human resources management system will rely on cloud service providers to manage and maintain the servers and software. This shift significantly reduces the organization’s operational costs and thus allows organizations to focus on core business activities.


  • Flexibility and Scalability

    Cloud service providers provide maximum flexibility and scalability compared to traditional on-premises data centres. For example, a tech startup, while launching a new app can rapidly expand its cloud-based servers to manage the workload, and then can scale back as needed. This approach is proven to be better than upgrading physical servers in on-premises data centres, which can be time-consuming and costly.


  • Up-to-Date Technology

    With the addition of cloud servers, the provider takes care of all the tech updates and upgrades. For example, a company using a cloud-based CRM automatically gets the latest features and upgrades without any additional investments.


  • Availability and Reliability

    Cloud providers ensure uptime through service level agreements (SLAs). Providers use the feature of backups and redundancy to ensure your data and applications remain accessible, even if there’s a failure. Cloud providers offer more reliability than most in-house setups.

6 Common Cloud Migration Risks and Solutions to Minimize Them

Cloud infrastructure is widely used because of its numerous advantages. However, cloud migration also has its risks, below are a few common issues and solutions to minimize them.

  • Data Governance Regulations

    Data governance regulations are essential for various industries like healthcare. It is important for companies to clearly define who owns the data, how to handle data breaches and ensure coordination. In the entire process, the major challenge involves understanding how cloud services comply with strict data protection and privacy rules to secure sensitive information.

    How to Resolve This:

    Many cloud providers are already compliant with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. This is the reason they are claimed to be the most suitable choice, as it proves that cloud providers can handle compliances with ease. Companies just need to follow the provided guidelines to stay compliant. Before moving to the cloud, make sure you understand your non-functional requirements, including compliance needs. If your system is old or outdated, it might be a great time to consider it for an update, as regulations like GDPR may have changed a lot since it was built. Modernizing your application can help it meet current standards.


  • Loss of Data

    When migrating to the cloud, data loss acts as a common concern. Another risk like corruption or incomplete transfers can be caused due to technical glitches, power outages, or maybe human errors.

    How to Resolve This:

    The best idea to save yourself from data loss is to back up your data regularly. This process helps you ensure that you can recover your data with ease if needed. By creating a backup, you can never lose your essential data and can restore it without a problem. For extra safety, consider choosing multiple cloud providers to avoid downtime issues. Remember, data loss can be disastrous, but it’s rare if experts manage the migration process. The main and crucial steps to avoid problems are backing up your data and selecting a reliable migration partner.


  • Costly Cloud Migration Process

    Cloud migration needs careful planning to avoid unnecessary costs. For example, if test environments are left running for months without use, the client is still bound to pay for such expenses. This process leads to money wastage. Without proper management, unnecessary expenses can be a disaster for a project.

    How to Resolve This:

    Hire professionals to ensure that you are paying for the services your business needs and uses. Using a cloud readiness checklist acts as a bonus to help avoid overspending.


  • Security

    Security is a top concern in the cloud migration process, especially when many companies lack skilled security experts.

    How to Resolve This:

    In the past, people doubted and questioned cloud security. However, in today’s time, cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure offer the best security if implemented correctly. These cloud services are known to be more stable and reliable than in-house teams, especially for scenarios where your team is short-staffed. The cloud provider manages the security updates and patches for you, taking responsibility off your team, and making it easier for your business to be secure, efficient, and reliable. Cloud services, like DDoS protection, can be used when under attack. If your on-premises system is targeted, setting up the necessary hardware may take months, leaving you at risk. On the other hand, the cloud server has better response capabilities, making it a better and more secure choice.


  • Data Corruption During Transfer

    During cloud migration, data corruption acts as a major risk, especially while performing a large data transfer. Errors in transfer protocols or data conversion can lead to data loss and disruptions.

    How to Resolve This:

    Protect your data by performing the required integrity checks throughout the migration process. The involvement of tools like checksums or cryptographic hashes to verify that data remains unchanged during the transition. These tools help in creating a digital fingerprint of the data, which is later used to ensure verifications. Additionally, set up error handling procedures to quickly address any issues, helping to maintain data integrity and reduce downtime errors.


  • API Vulnerabilities

    APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) connect software and cloud services but can pose security risks if not properly protected. Unprotected APIs can be a gateway for attackers, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

    How to Resolve This:

    To protect against API vulnerabilities, it is crucial to follow strict guidelines. Regularly auditing your APIs can help you find and fix any issues. Encrypt data while it’s being transferred to keep it safe from interception. Using different methods like OAuth and API keys, implement strict authentication and set up controls to manage what data and services different users can access.

AAHENT - Easing the Risks in Cloud Migration with Industry-Leading Cloud Security Services

Cloud migration can be challenging as it involves multiple phases, each requiring updates to your security setup to protect your data and applications. A successful and secure data migration requires an integrated security system that allows seamless cloud transition throughout the process. AAHENT provides integrated cloud security services to streamline and protect the cloud migration process, offering expertise to handle risks and deliver a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Cloud migration offers a vast range of benefits like cost savings, and flexibility but it all comes with risks such as data loss, compliance issues, and security concerns. Successful and effective cloud migration requires careful planning and management of these risks. The other key strategies include regular data backups, compliance with regulations, and maximum security.

Risks can be minimized by opting for the correct solutions delivered by AAHENT. AAHENT offers expert cloud security solutions that ensure a smooth and seamless migration process. Trust AAHENT for a seamless and secure transition to the cloud, backed by the expertise of professionals. Choose AAHENT to mitigate the risks and maximize the security.