The Evolution of Cloud Collaboration: Why Security Matters More Than Ever

As technology advances, so do security risks. Sovereign cloud collaboration is emerging as the key to safeguarding our modern communications.

When it comes to AV, people often think about usability, workplace communication and quality. But there’s one issue that’s often overlooked: security. The tech we use to communicate has become so embedded into our day-to-day lives that it’s easy to forget about. But this complacency can be dangerous, particularly when it comes to collaboration infrastructure and services.

For me, this became clearest during the pandemic. At the start, many organisations suddenly found themselves scrambling to set up quick solutions. That worked for a while, but now, those temporary measures are coming back to bite people.

As businesses continue to undo much of what was done during Covid, a wave of new regulation is also forcing them to rethink their AV security. Laws like GDPR and NIS2 mean companies need to tighten their grip on data and ensure stricter compliance. Add to that the rise in cybercrime fuelled by geopolitical tensions and it’s clear to see that the way we approach communication security needs a serious upgrade.

So how do businesses stay secure, compliant and productive without adding complexity to their AV stack? Personally, I believe sovereign clouds will be a big part of the answer.

What are sovereign clouds?

Sovereign clouds increase the security of cloud computing by keeping all services within the borders of the country they serve. Unlike traditional clouds, which might spread data and operations across multiple jurisdictions, sovereign clouds ensure control and compliance with local laws.

This is important because, under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), organisations found in violation can face fines of up to €20 million. As a result, compliance has become a critical business priority, particularly for multinational organisations. Supporting this, research from Accenture found that 50 per cent of European CXOs see data sovereignty as a top issue, and 44 per cent of enterprises plan to move to a sovereign cloud in the next two-years.

In simple terms, it means businesses get the flexibility and scalability they’ve come to expect from cloud computing, but with extra peace of mind. Data stays local, and it’s not at risk of being non-compliant with international legal systems or providers operating under a different nation’s legal system. With businesses recognising the need for greater security in an increasingly volatile world, sovereign clouds are gaining popularity as the solution to many major business problems.

However, sovereign clouds aren’t without their challenges. Compatibility across applications is a significant concern, particularly for communications tools. In some cases, businesses have to compromise on the quality of their virtual meetings to guarantee security, essentially replacing one problem with another. While this sacrifice may be necessary for certain organisations, particularly those in high-trust sectors such as healthcare or finance, its impact on collaboration can have an equally damaging effect on business growth.

So, where does this leave us?

The future of communication security

For starters, businesses need solutions that address both their technical and strategic needs. Sovereign clouds represent a significant step forward, offering a pathway to meet the growing demand for security and compliance. But in my experience, their success will depend on continued innovation to bridge gaps in compatibility and performance.

For business leaders, my advice is to take a proactive approach to communication security that aligns with both current regulations and future uncertainties. This means moving beyond quick, reactive fixes and investing in technologies that deliver long-term value, enabling organisations to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape with confidence.

Ultimately, security in AV technology is not just about mitigating risks. It’s about empowering organisations to thrive in a connected world. By rethinking how we approach collaboration and leveraging secure, scalable cloud solutions, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and build a foundation for sustainable growth.

Click the link to discover how Kinly Secure Meet is helping organisations to strike the right balance.