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Cloud Security - What Are The Challenges And Considerations

2019-01-15by Evan Morris

Before the Internet companies kept information locked away in file cabinets. The only way to access that information was to go through the files. Now companies keep all their information in the cloud. People can access that information from anywhere, as long as they have a computer and an Internet connection. This has made keeping the information in the cloud more difficult.

There are many challenges to cloud security. The responsibility for that security falls or both the people providing the information and the companies storing the information. To keep the information safe, it is important to understand the challenges faced and the solutions to those challenges.

Cloud Security Statistics
 
The cloud connects people and businesses in a new way. Information is easily shared between individuals and businesses. This is new, and this is one of the biggest challenges faced with cloud security.

Many people underestimate the dangers of storing information in the cloud. The statistics that surround the way people store and access information will surprise many people. People and organizations recognize the threat to information stored in the cloud, but that does not mean they know what to do or that they take steps to protect that information. They also do not realize the wide impact that even small breaches in security can create. Statistics that show that more than half of the organizations that utilize cloud technology exposed information to hackers is not the complete picture. They not only expose the information they stored in the cloud, but also information from other organizations that shared information.

Another challenge is deciding who is responsible for cloud security. Is it the business that shares information, the business that receives the information or the people that supply the information? In order for information to remain safe, everyone needs to do their part, but statistics suggest that only half of the people have only slight control over their information.

Common Cloud Security Challenges

The hackers that attack individuals and organizations' cloud technology are not always that creative. They look for things that others have done with success. The first line of defense is learning the common tricks that hackers use to breach the data on the cloud.

  • Incompatibilities – When people stored information in file cabinets, they had their own systems. The same is true of how cloud systems work. Some cloud platforms may offer different se3curity procedures than others. Different cloud environments have different ways of being built. These differences can open holes for hackers to use.
  • Shared technology – Cloud platforms offer share their technology to help control costs and offer more flexibility. This practice of multitenancy can open up the cloud to attacks.
  • Simple Errors – The ability to easily expand the use of the cloud and its technology can cause simple mistakes. When people and business expand quickly, they often make a simple mistake or overlook something obvious.
  • DevOps – DevOps is a movement that stresses heavier use of the cloud and automation. This movement leads to the use of security groups and other problems because of the speed which it grows.
  • Access Management- the biggest security risk falls on who can access the information stored in the cloud. The security of the information depends on how easily an organization or a business provides access to it.

Cloud Security Strategy

The first part of any cloud security strategy is recognizing the risk. The second part is developing a plan to combat the risks. To recognize the risks an organization should consider:

  • Their cloud computing needs
  • What the security risks are
  • The security in place
  • Gaps between the cloud security and other internal security
  • Responsibility for cloud security

Once an organization can learn these things, they can then start to put into place procedures, policies and technology to secure their use of the cloud.

Implementing Cloud Security

Determining the cloud security needs is only the start. The information is not secure unless an organization puts the ideas into practice. They have to figure out ways to implement the cloud security policies they create. They need to make sure they take steps that turn ideas into practice.

  • Password Control – Creating password control requires a few things. Organizations and individuals need to create secure passwords, they need to keep their passwords private and they need to change their passwords regularly. There is technology available to help make sure this happens.
  • Vulnerability Management – Hackers are always looking for a place to attack. Once they find a place to get into the cloud, it is up to the business to block it. That requires constant scans for vulnerabilities and updates as shown in the vulnerability report.
  • Patching and Maintenance – The vulnerability report can help an organization spot potential problems before any information stored in the cloud becomes exposed to hackers. The biggest danger an organization faces is not acting on the vulnerabilities they know about. The organization needs to update their systems regularly and also make sure the cloud server they choose stays updated.
  • Encryption – All information stored in an open space likes the cloud should include some type of encryption. When using encryption, it is necessary to make sure it is done both when information is sent to the cloud and when it is at rest in the cloud.
  • Monitoring – A thief will always attack when they think a person is not looking. The same holds true for cloud security. If you are not continually monitoring the security and safety of the information stored in the cloud, you are exposing it to hackers.

It is easy to recognize that people and organizations need to do something to keep their private information safe and secure. Cloud technology is making that even more important because it puts more information in the reach of the wrong people. Statistics suggest that 95 out of every 100 security breaches in the future will fall on the shoulders of customers, but that does not take the responsibility away from the organizations.

Most organizations recognize the need for security and the problems faced with the cloud services. Recognizing it and taking steps to do something about it are two different things. The organizations that follow through on cloud security are the ones that customers will trust and send their business to. The ones that do not have to look back and wonder how they missed an opportunity.

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Author

Evan Morris

Evan Morris

Known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Evan works as a Freelance Networking Analyst, an avid blog writer, particularly around technology, cybersecurity and forthcoming threats which can compromise sensitive data. With a  vast experience of ethical hacking, Evan’s been able to express his views articulately.

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