What is Cloud Computing?

In simple terms, cloud computing is the delivery of sought-after computing services, such as applications to storage and processing power, generally over the internet. Instead of owning computing setup or data hubs, businesses can rent access to things like applications to storage from an internet provider. One advantage of using cloud computing services is that companies can circumvent the upfront cost and intricacy of keeping and maintaining their own IT setup, and instead only pay for what they use, when they use it. Providers of cloud computing services, in turn, can take advantage of important economies of scale by offering the same services to an extensive range of customers.

Cloud Security

Cloud security comprises a number of strategies and measures that work collectively to safeguard cloud-based systems, data, and infrastructure. These security procedures are constituted to shield cloud data, assist supervisory conformity and protect customers’ privacy while formulating verification rules for specific users and devices. From validating access to sifting traffic, cloud security can be constituted to the particular needs of the business. And since these rules can be constituted and managed in one place, management expenses are reduced and IT teams authorized to focus on other areas of the business. Execution of cloud security procedures should be a combined responsibility between the business owner and solution provider.

6 biggest threats to cloud computing

It is incumbent on the businesses to be aware of cyber threats. Here are the top threats to cloud computing:

1. Data breaches

Data breach can be the key objective of an attack through which important information such as health, financial, personal individuality, academic and other associated information is observed, stolen or used by an unauthorized user. The issue can be remedied by evaluating data protection during design and run time. Companies therefore must limit access to data and uphold observance to industry standards and conformity.

2. Inadequate identity, credential and access management

Security threats may happen because of insufficient safety of the credentials. Data is likely to be read, changed, or removed by an unauthorized user. To counter this threat, contractors, third-party users and employees should be provided awareness and knowledge about security and its various aspects. In addition, companies must recognize and access rights to detect breaches.

3. Insecure interfaces and APIs

Customers and third-party users often offer software user interfaces or application programming interfaces (APIs) services. These APIs or passwords may be accessed by an unauthorized user, transmitting content, get authorizations and logging abilities. The problem can be remedied by using a good security model of software interfaces, and by using API frameworks.

4. System vulnerability

Security breaches might happen because of exploitable viruses in programs that remain within a system, letting a hacker intrude and get access to important information or smash the service operations. This problem can be overcome if organizations regularly detect data evaluations and system revelation change, or demolition. It’s also important that quality and integrity of systems and services be frequently checked.

5. Account or service hijacking

Account or service hijacking can be conducted to gain access and misuse extremely advantaged accounts. Attack systems like deception, phishing, and abuse of software susceptibility are conducted typically using the stolen passwords. The problem can be remedied by utilizing strong two-factor verification methods where possible.

6. Evil insider

An evil intruder can access important data of the system administrator or may even get control over the internet services at greater levels with little or no risk of being caught. An evil insider may impact a company by damaging brand, and effecting financial loss. To countenance this challenge, it’s important that organizations comprehend the practices done by internet service providers. Organizations should systematize their procedures and use technologies that scan regularly for misconfigured resources and counter strange activity in real time.

Ways to prevent cyberattacks

Given the current situation in the cyber world, it’s almost impossible to stop hackers from committing their nefarious activities and conducting cyberattacks. But most of these attacks can be prevented if companies take appropriate measures.

First of all, companies should have a safe and classy hardware which is password-protected and supported up by 2-way verification. It’s highly advisable if you don’t ignore the efficiency of defending your physical storage disks; otherwise, it will give hackers or anyone a chance to steal your company’s important information.

The other important preventive measure is to contain physical access to your computers and network components, as doing this limits the capacity of data breaches after a computer is inactive for a short period of time. While having to reenter the passwords frequently may be a hassle, it can help keep snooping eyes away from access to private data and documents open on the machine of someone at lunch.

Thirdly, your company should have a backup data in case an attack is carried out on your company’s systems. However, it’s worth pointing out that the backup should be done very effectively, meaning that the data ought to be retrievable in case a disaster hits your company. Last but not least, educate employees on the latest developments in the cyber world, so that they can help alleviate cyber risks with ease. For example, they can be educated about risks linked with using indiscreet networks to access work information and circumventing unsafe websites and sharing important data on social media.

Conclusion

While cloud computing has made the sharing of information and resources considerably easier, it has also come up with some exceptional security alarms. Cloud computing is likely to be a troublesome force by impacting the deployment and use of technology. Just as mainframes, minicomputers, PCs, servers, smart phones, etc., have revolutionized the world, the cloud could also be a force to be reckoned with in the days to come. Granted that a lot of questions are still left to be answered regarding security within the cloud and how customers and cloud service providers will deal with issues and expectations, but it would be a severe irony to say only that cloud computing has produced interest in the marketplace. The hype regarding cloud computing is inevitable.