Cloud Computing Risks and How To Deal With Them

Cloud computing is a technology that makes use of central and internal remote servers to maintain data, applications and all other types of documentation – hosted on the internet. The new technology has captured the interest of a large audience. Even though cloud computing has got much fame, IT industry experts have their concerns, and in order for it to move ahead in its evolution, the issues need to be effectively addressed.

Major Security Risks Associated With Cloud Computing

The biggest risk associated with cloud computing is that of security. Associated threats include:

– Business model disruption
– Risks originating from relationships with the providers of cloud service
– Lack of transparency in the cloud service provider
– Performance issues
– Reliability issues
– Compliance issues
– Risks of getting locked by proprietary tools into a cloud vendor
– Chances of data leakage
– Cyberattacks

Small businesses are opting for cloud computing in big numbers because there are several advantages of choosing contextual intelligence cloud solutions that include cost efficiency, on-demand services, no wastage of resources and pay-as-you-go options. Experts also regard cloud computing as one of the most brilliant innovations of our times, however, the risks associated with it must be addressed to make it a perfect technology solution for large and small business alike.

I recommend users to keep the following security concerns in mind when evaluating potential cloud-based service providers:

Cloud Security Concerns and How to Mitigate Them

Software Interface

According to the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), users ought to know the APIs or software interfaces used for interaction purposes with cloud services. Reliance on weak APIs exposes businesses to many security issues, i.e. lack of accountability, confidentiality, and integrity. While choosing a cloud provider, CSA recommends learning how security is integrated through the provider’s service. As a user, you should keep a check from authentication to activity assessment policies and control techniques of the provider.

Data Transfer

The traffic that travels within your network and the cloud must span all over the internet. Make sure that all your data is passing through a fully secured channel. Moreover, make certain that your data is authenticated, verified and encrypted using the standard protocols that have been created, particularly to secure internet traffic.

Stored Data

Your stored data should be firmly encrypted when it goes on the cloud server and is in the use of the cloud service provider. When assessing different cloud providers, inquire about the methods they use for securing and disposing of data. Also, ask them about how their data is secured while being in transit, on their servers, and when used by cloud-based apps.

Data Access and Control

The data stored on the cloud server can be accessed by the service provider and typically, you will not have any control over people making entry to your data, from the company. Before storing data, check if you can assess its sensitivity and ask the provider for particular details such as, who will manage your data and the extent to which they will have access over it.