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Cloud computing is one of the greatest technological transformation of the decade. This has made it possible for small and medium enterprises, large organizations, consumers/users to make a shift from physical and on the premises application and data storage and putting their data/ information into the cloud. But, saving data and information in the cloud doesn’t come with its own threats and vulnerabilities.
Security in cloud computing is one of the greatest concerns for those embracing cloud technology. There exist issues such as losses from cybercrime and attack. Therefore, it becomes a leap of faith to have one’s valuable data/information and applications stored in the cloud and entrust the security to a third-party. The question of the security of cloud computing arises in order for users and organization to know that their data and information is secured. This includes a set of procedures and best practices to protect files, accounts, services, virtualized IP, networks, databases and all cloud computing infrastructure
Benefits of cloud Computing
The benefits of cloud computing cannot be under rated and include the following;
· Cloud computing help to reduce the exposure of sensitive data to the public.
· Cloud computing ensures that auditing, testing easier and simpler.
· Cloud computing reduces redundancy and aid disaster recovery.
· Cloud computing enables automated security management in the storage of data.
· Cloud computing is flexible, with matchless agility and economies of large scale.
· The cloud offers businesses flexibility than hosting on a local server as there will be need to expand the latter bandwidth to meet business demand and gives room for mobile access to corporate data via phones and devices.
· In the cloud-based system there is quality control as files/documents are stored in a single format in one place. It helps to avoid human error, maintain data consistency, have a clear record to ensure proper data management.
Potential disadvantages of Cloud Computing
As there are boons to cloud computing, it also presents potential detriments especially in dealing with online storage and applications. There can be a shutdown of the cloud hosting when the organization in charge witnesses a downtime in the turnover and can hinder the confidence in cloud computing.
Without proper demonstration and testing of the security of cloud computing, users/ consumers will be unwilling to adopt the cloud hosting services. Security breaches, hacking and pilfering of the data/ information, for examples, information/ data on credit cards and customers sensitive details can be disastrous for an organization, businesses and even the customers.
Today’s technological browsers are not up to date and not fully equipped with cloud computing capabilities. Cloud computing is still in its infancy and until intense application are developed before it can be fully embraced by people.
In all, the benefits of cloud computing is above the disadvantages and once there is more technological advancement and adequate security, the latter will be heavily reduced.
Best Strategies for security in cloud computing
Holistic strategy & Policies: this form of cloud computing security practices helps proper accountability and ownership of both internal and external risks, apses in protection/ compliance and identifies the right controls to ensure a robust and mature security system to reach the desired state. Good policies govern the data that can be stored in the cloud, quarantine or take out sensitive data, train users to avoid mistakes or break the policies.
Encryption with keys of sensitive data: encrypting data and information within the cloud gives protection against outside parties or hackers. The cloud service provider has access to the keys and users can fully work with total control within the data without intrusion or interruption.
Privilege and non-privilege passwords control: there should not be the usage of shared pass words or the combination of passwords with other authentication systems for sensitive area in order to ensure password management best practices in securing cloud information/data
Proper monitoring, alerting and reporting: proper implementation of continual security and user’s activity in all forms of environments and instances enables monitoring, alerts and reporting of potential dangers in the cloud space.
Network Segmentation: this practice works efficiently in multi-tenant environments to assess what segmentation is in place between the hosting organization and those of other customers. This can enable the leverage zone approach to applications, containers, and full systems using isolation when possible.
Vulnerability Monitoring and Management: this form of strategy should be performed regularly to monitor, scan vulnerabilities and audit security to deal with any form of issues that may be disastrous.
Data sharing Limitation: this practice ensured that there is enforcement of access control policies on one or multiple services as the case may be. This entails setting limits on data shared, assigning users or groups to viewers or editors, controlling the information related externally through the links provided to ensure security.
Response to Issues Of Cloud Computing Security
The best practices to employ in response to incidents or issues that arises in security of cloud computing include the following;
Additional verification: Accesses to sensitive data by a user on a new device require a two-factor authentication to prove the real identity and to provide adequate security for the information in the cloud.
Policies adjustment: as new services come up and information/data is accessed, there is the need for updates on the web access policies. This can be enforced by the integration of a cloud risk database, a secure web gateway or firewall, information on risk profile in order to create a blockage to potential threats from a warning signal/message.
Removal of Malware: malware can act as a compromise of a shared folder which syncs automatically and in turn replicate the malware in the cloud computing without any action from the user. Proper scanning of data/ information saved in cloud computing with anti-malware will prevent breaches, thefts attacks to ensure security.
Worthy of Note
Moving to the cloud computing is a smart thing to do. Effective and efficient cloud computing security utilizes applications, control methods and strategies that recognize the essence of diverse datasets and properly apply the right security measures. There should be combination of monitoring, metrics, logs and errors to secure cloud data to ensure optimal performance.
