What are the security risks of cloud computing? - Cloudlytics (2023)

Cloud computing has become more than any prediction since the outbreak of the pandemic. According to Gartner, the total value of user spending on public cloud services will exceed482 billion dollarsin 2022. Every day we come across companies from different industries who want to move their business to the cloud.

Despite this increasing prevalence of the cloud, it is imperative to understand the need for greater responsibility in its use. But with regard to the strategic use of this technology, organizations must understand what they are trying to achieve with it before making the move. Also, it is crucial to discuss the relevant security risks plaguing the cloud. Otherwise, all the good work in cloud adoption will be for naught or, worse, lead to security disasters.

This article discusses security risks and answers the question 'how secure is cloud computing?'

How secure is the cloud?

It's fair to question the security of the cloud before trusting it with critical business data. Once you save something to the cloud, you don't have full control over preventing unwanted access. Thus, the cloud service provider must inform you of any risks in advance, ensuring that you understand the risks involved and take the necessary measures to mitigate them.

So how secure is cloud computing?Really?

Today, hackers use a variety of phishing emails and malware to get their hands on sensitive information stored on your system's offline drives. In addition, it is not a herculean task for them to freeze your computer, delete data or demand a ransom to unlock it.

However, this is not so easy to do in the cloud.

It is safe to say that data stored in the cloud is more secure than data stored offline. Today, most cloud service providers undertake the highest levels of security protocols, such as HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR, etc. to ensure that your data remains safe and secure.

What is data security in cloud computing?

The range of robust tools used by modern cloud service providers ensure the highest level of protection against any unwanted access, from both outsiders and insiders.Data security in cloud computingit refers to the implementation of tools and technologies that increase organizational visibility of critical data – where it is, who has access and how it is used.

Data security focuses on the practices, rules, and principles that help protect data and information on a cloud network. His primary areas of focus include

• Data integrity
• Availability of data
• Confidentiality

What are the security risks of cloud computing?

From the second half of 2020.79% of companiesaffected by at least one cloud data breach.

Here are the top five security risks plaguing cloud computing:

1. Limited visibility of network operations

When moving your data from one source to another, you're also transferring responsibility for managing some of that data from your in-house team to a CSP (cloud service provider). Unless you know what you're doing, this can lead to a loss of visibility into your resources, leading to increased service usage and costs.

This is why there is a need to discuss protocols in advance and ensure optimal transparency throughout the transfer process.

2. Malware

Eye90% organizationmoving to the cloud makes them more likely to experience data breaches.

Cloud computing partners have tried to incorporate all major security protocols to keep your data safe. But cybercriminals have also upped their game! They got acquainted with these modern technologies. As a result, they can now bypass most of these standards and access sensitive user data with ease.

3. Compliance

Cloud computing is developing at a pioneering pace. While it has helped organizations move more quickly from offline systems, it has also raised necessary compliance issues. So, you need to ensure that the cloud computing service provider aligns the data access and storage needs of all your PII (Personally Identifiable Information) with the necessary privacy and security policies.

4. Loss of data

In the survey,64% of respondentsreported data loss/leakage as their top cloud security concern.

As brands shift some of their control to CSPs, they also allow their data to be more vulnerable. For example, if a data breach occurs in the cloud computing service provider space, the chances of your company's sensitive data falling into the wrong hands increases manifold.

5. Inadequate due diligence

Due diligence helps to understand the efforts a business needs to make to move its data to the cloud. We often come across companies that neglect or are not strict enough in understanding how much work is required

• smooth transition process i
• the steps taken by the cloud computing service provider to ensure the same

How to strengthen security in cloud computing?

There is a need for mutual understanding and partnership between enterprises and cloud service providers to ensure optimal cloud computing security and data security on board. Here are some ways they can support the same:

Risk assessments

Conducting a risk assessment includes conducting an audit of your cloud architecture. It helps to understand the capabilities of security controls in place and how effectively they are currently working. It enables the involved teams to discover gaps and make the necessary decisions to fill them.

User access controls

Given that the cloud ecosystem is easier to access, companies need to establish strict user access controls. User access controls are necessary to protect against sensitive leaks by insiders. Access to critical functions should only be allowed to a few individuals to protect data from unauthorized views.

Automation

Businesses need to automate critical initiatives, including real-time monitoring, supplier risk assessments and more. This would allow the IT department to monitor essential functions, rather than being slowed down by a series of unwanted repetitive tasks.

Continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring is one of the essential functions of the current cloud ecosystem. As the cloud becomes more vulnerable and cybercriminals find new ways to breach it, you need to include real-time assessment to ensure your data remains secure.

Let Cloudlytics take care of your cloud security risks

Since the cloud computing landscape is a very dynamic ecosystem, you need to have a robust architecture to manage its use. Cloudlytics can be just that partner for you.

At Cloudlytics, we specialize in providing real-time insight into all of your cloud data. We support integration with all major cloud providers and offer scalable solutions, such as Compliance Manager, to help youmitigate the various risks of cloud computing.

Never fear cloud security threats! Explore our range of services today.

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