Cloud Security Explained: The Shared Responsibility Model of Globalscape EFT Arcus

Introduction

As over 90% of organizations embrace cloud computing, the question is no longer whether to move to the cloud but how to stay secure once you do. While the cloud provides flexibility, scalability and efficiency, understanding who protects what remains vital.

Global E-Director, serving clients across the MENA region, empowers businesses to secure their data with Globalscape EFT Arcus, whether deployed as a fully managed Software as a Service (SaaS) or in a private cloud using licenses. Both options deliver the same enterprise-grade protection, ensuring your data is safe while your operations remain agile.

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security encompasses the technologies, policies and practices designed to protect data, applications and infrastructure in cloud environments.

Think of your data as a precious asset. The cloud provides a highly secure vault, but you still need to manage the keys responsibly.

Benefits of Strong Cloud Security

1. Reduces the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks

2. Protects sensitive business and customer information

3. Ensures compliance with industry regulations

Common Threats

• Data leaks due to misconfigurations

• Malware and ransomware attacks

• Insider threats and unauthorized access

Overview of Globalscape EFT Arcus

Globalscape EFT Arcus is a cloud-native, secure file transfer platform that combines flexibility with compliance-ready security. It’s designed to help organizations exchange files efficiently, whether they choose the Arcus SaaS model or a licensed deployment in their own private cloud.

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption for all file transfers

• Automated workflows for seamless file management

• Real-time monitoring and alerts to detect threats early

Business Benefits

• Advanced protection for sensitive data

• Streamlined collaboration and automation

• Support for industry-specific compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, etc.)

Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model

The shared responsibility model defines how security tasks are divided between the cloud provider and the customer. This model helps eliminate ambiguity and ensures complete protection of your digital assets.

In a SaaS Deployment (Arcus Cloud)

• Globalscape (Provider): Secures the underlying cloud infrastructure, networking, physical data centers and platform services.

• Customer: Manages data classification, user access, encryption and compliance obligations.

In a Private Cloud (Licensed Model)

• Globalscape: Provides the software, updates and support to maintain security standards.

• Customer: Takes responsibility for infrastructure, network configuration and environment-level security.

In both cases, collaboration is key to achieving comprehensive protection.

Cloud Provider Responsibilities

When you choose EFT Arcus as a SaaS, Globalscape ensures:

1. Physical and infrastructure security: Data centers are protected by advanced controls, surveillance and restricted access.

2. Network security: Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and secure protocols protect all communications.

3. Continuous updates and monitoring: Regular patches and proactive threat detection keep systems secure.

These foundational protections allow businesses in the MENA region to focus on growth while relying on Global E-Director’s expertise to manage secure deployments.

Customer Responsibilities

Whether using the SaaS model or private licenses, customers must:

1. Encrypt data before upload or transfer

2. Manage user access and permissions carefully

3. Maintain compliance with applicable data protection laws

Failing to manage these areas can expose data even in a secure cloud environment.

Shared Responsibilities

Certain aspects of security require both parties to work together:

• Incident response: Coordinated investigation and resolution of security incidents

• Auditing and compliance: Shared responsibility for evidence and documentation

• Monitoring and reporting: Joint vigilance to detect anomalies and maintain transparency

Examples of Shared Responsibility in Action

1. Financial Institution: Uses EFT Arcus SaaS for secure client statement transfers. Globalscape secures the infrastructure; the bank encrypts sensitive data and controls access.

2. Healthcare Organization: Deploys EFT in its private cloud using licenses. Globalscape provides updates and compliance features; the hospital manages HIPAA policies internally.

3. Retail Company: Leverages Arcus SaaS for supplier file exchanges. The platform ensures secure transport; the retailer enforces authentication and audit controls.

These examples show that regardless of deployment, both parties share accountability for keeping data safe.

Key Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with a robust model, challenges persist:

• Misconfigurations can expose data if permissions aren’t properly managed

• Insider risks remain a constant concern

• External threats evolve quickly, requiring continuous monitoring

With Globalscape EFT Arcus and Global E-Director’s security services, businesses can minimize these risks through proactive management and clear role division.

How Globalscape EFT Arcus Enhances Security

EFT Arcus strengthens your defense through:

• Comprehensive encryption protecting data both in transit and at rest.

• Secure protocols such as SFTP, FTPS and HTTPS

• Integrated auditing and monitoring for transparency and compliance

Whether hosted by Globalscape or in your own environment, the same security architecture applies.

Best Practices for Customers

1. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users

2. Conduct regular audits of configurations and permissions

3. Train employees on cybersecurity awareness

4. Encrypt sensitive data before uploading

5. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual activity

These steps strengthen your security posture within the shared responsibility framework.

Common Misconceptions About Cloud Security

- “The provider handles everything.”

- Providers secure the infrastructure, but you’re responsible for your data.

- “Private clouds are automatically safer.”

- They require equal diligence in configuration and access control.

- “Compliance is only for the vendor.”

- Both provider and customer must uphold compliance obligations.

Future of Cloud Security

The evolution of cloud security is driven by:

• AI-powered threat detection for real-time defense

• Zero-trust frameworks that verify every access attempt

• Continuous updates and automation to eliminate vulnerabilities faster

Globalscape continues to evolve its solutions, ensuring security keeps pace with innovation.

Conclusion

The shared responsibility model of Globalscape EFT Arcus provides clarity and confidence for organizations adopting the cloud whether through Arcus as a Service or a private licensed deployment.

By partnering with Global E-Director, businesses across the MENA region can implement robust cloud security frameworks, streamline data transfers and ensure regulatory compliance while retaining control and flexibility over their digital assets.

Secure, scalable and built for your business Globalscape EFT Arcus keeps your data safe, wherever you choose to host it.