What is cloud computing? And what are the top cloud computing security challenges?
Read this article to find out!
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a set of services. These services include:
- data storage
- databases
- servers
- software
- networks
Also, these services are powerful and effective in technology. So, even small businesses can benefit from it.
But, cloud computing has its issues, too. It includes security-related problems.
What are the top cloud computing security challenges?
The top challenges of cloud computing are:
- Lack of visibility and control
- Data breaches
- Vendor lock-in
- Lack of Transparency
- Lack of Interface security
- Not enough diligence
- The vulnerability of public technology
- Other potential threats
Lack of Visibility and Control
Visibility loss means a loss of control. It should protect several parts of IT and data security.
Cloud services of third-party providers do not have the same level of visibility. Thus, it could result in a fail business. Why? It will be hard for you to recognize potential risks.
Data breaches
In general, the cloud is more secure than other storage. But, a data breach can still happen. Businesses have little control over this.
According to IBM’s report, one data breach amounted to over $3 million loss. So, this particular issue prevents some in adopting cloud computing.
Vendor Lock-in
Some companies rely on cloud platforms. But there is a danger. They can be forced to continue to rely on a specific cloud vendor. If not, they will not be able to keep operations.
Should they want to move into a new vendor, they will force the customer to an inconvenient contract.
Lack of Transparency
Transparency means you get all the information about your service. But sometimes, a cloud platform doesn’t give a full-service description. It is also common that they do not explain how it works or operates.
This challenge makes customers unsure if their data is always stored securely.
Lack of Interface Security
Cloud platforms should give API to their customers. API means Application Programming Interface. It is used to manage cloud service.
But, not all API is secure. Some may be insecure in some aspects. So, it causes security vulnerability. Hence, a customer may potentially expose private information.
Not Enough Diligence
Some companies do not have the best internal resources. Thus, they may be unable to evaluate the results of adopting the cloud. It becomes a risk.
A cloud vendor handles data security issues. These issues need to be explained before applying. But other vendors fail to do so. Thus, they cannot deal with possible risks. They will also be unable to solve current vulnerabilities.
The Vulnerability of Public Technology
Cloud computing is a public or hybrid offer. It can expose your business to risks by other users.
Some cloud vendors prevent this from happening. But no vendor is perfect. Thus, a security vulnerability is always possible. Other cloud users can cause this. And it could affect you as a user, too.
Other Potential Cloud Computing Security Challenges
Aside from cloud vulnerabilities mentioned above, there are also external threats. These are:
- DDoS – means Distributed Denial of Service attacks. It causes too much traffic to flood your data.
- Man in the Middle attacks – a third-party relays data between you and another destination. Thus, your data is altered or modified.
- Account or Service Traffic Hijacking – attackers can get your passwords. So, your data is stolen by hackers.
